contemplating

American

[kon-tuhm-pley-ting, -tem-] / ˈkɒn təmˌpleɪ tɪŋ, -tɛm- /

adjective

observing, studying, or thinking deeply about something.

A stronger spirit and sense of purpose help shift the contemplating mind into a more action-orientated self.

noun

the act of observing, studying, or thinking deeply about something.

After some more contemplating over the last few days, I now know what I'm going to do.

Other Word Forms

contemplatingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of contemplating

First recorded in 1580–90; contemplat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective; contemplat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But while rumours swirl about the former duchess's whereabouts and whether she is contemplating a tell-all interview, there are mounting calls for her to give evidence concerning her links to Jeffrey Epstein.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Consequently, I am contemplating putting the second home on the market in order to provide ourselves with the needed emergency-cash buffer.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

This week he gives us a report card of the joys and the headaches to help anyone contemplating such a purchase.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

The surge in oil prices has fanned fresh fears about another spike in inflation and warnings that central banks might have to hike interest rates again, having been contemplating cuts just last month.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

I clutched the rail and stared into the green waves, contemplating the fish who might soon be enjoying my breakfast, while my father stood shivering beside me in shirtsleeves.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023