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.

These are all factors demanding notice from small investors contemplating adding these sectors to their retirement funds.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

He fueled up his car and was contemplating a run to the north of Tehran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 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

It's easy to feel confused, or perhaps even a little dizzy, when contemplating the merry-go-round of changes in the senior team at Aston Martin in the past couple of years.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

If it was quiet, she was painting or contemplating potential subjects.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

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