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contemplation

American  
[kon-tuhm-pley-shuhn, -tem-] / ˌkɒn təmˈpleɪ ʃən, -tɛm- /

noun

  1. the act of contemplating; thoughtful observation.

  2. full or deep consideration; reflection.

    religious contemplation.

  3. purpose or intention.

  4. prospect or expectation.


contemplation British  
/ -təm-, ˌkɒntɛmˈpleɪʃən /

noun

  1. thoughtful or long consideration or observation

  2. spiritual meditation esp (in Christian religious practice) concentration of the mind and soul upon God Compare meditation

  3. purpose or intention

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • precontemplation noun
  • recontemplation noun

Etymology

Origin of contemplation

First recorded in 1175–1225; from Latin contemplātiōn-, stem of contemplātiō; equivalent to contemplate + -ion; replacing Middle English contemplaci(o)un, from Anglo-French, from Latin, as above

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.

It also proved Murphy’s glossy approach could coax viewers into considerate contemplation about systemic ills by wrapping them in celebrity skin.

From Salon

Indeed, such has been the level of contemplation regarding Frank's immediate future at Tottenham in recent weeks that this loss will almost certainly trigger further soul-searching from the club's leadership group.

From BBC

After deep contemplation, she despaired, writing: “Nature’s silence is its one remark, and every flake of world is a chip off that old mute and immutable block.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Meow Wolf focuses on maximalist, sensory overloaded art, but at least one key space in Los Angeles will be dedicated to deep contemplation.

From Los Angeles Times

An exquisite, heartbreaking and genuinely terrifying contemplation of trauma and familial love.

From Los Angeles Times