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.

People contemplating leaving the workforce should consider questions like: What hobbies or interests do they want to nurture?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Stafford is at the far end of his career, Jimmy Garoppolo is a free agent contemplating retirement, and fourth-year pro Stetson Bennett has not played in a regular season game.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Meanwhile, the Financial Times is reporting that Sir Olly is contemplating legal action against his dismissal.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Recently, while contemplating stovetop pasta, made better — the kind you can pull off on a Tuesday without feeling stretched, as requested by several of you!

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

They looked at each other, and Kaisa’s surprise was turning into something more measured; she seemed to be contemplating what to do.

From "Ash" by Malinda Lo

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