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

This is not a documentary feature stuffed with detailed historical context, talking heads contemplating Jacobs’ impact, and stretches of runtime devoted to quietly pondering what legacy looks like in an ephemeral business.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 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

“We’re contemplating all of these shifts,” Talwar said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

It was true, the hall rep confirmed the news, and they all sighed, contemplating this sudden unwanted break, and returned to their rooms to pack; the hostel would be closed the next day.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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