contemplative

[kuhn-tem-pluh-tiv, kon-tuhm-pley-, -tem-]

adjective

1. given to or characterized by contemplation.

   a contemplative mind.

   Synonyms: meditative, reflective, thoughtful

noun

1. a person devoted to contemplation, as a monk.

contemplative

/ -təm-, kənˈtɛmplə-, ˈkɒntɛmˌpleɪtɪv /

adjective

1. denoting, concerned with, or inclined to contemplation; meditative

noun

1. a person dedicated to religious contemplation or to a way of life conducive to this

Other Word Forms

• contemplatively adverb
• contemplativeness noun
• noncontemplative adjective
• noncontemplatively adverb
• noncontemplativeness noun
• uncontemplative adjective
• uncontemplatively adverb
• uncontemplativeness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contemplative¹

First recorded in 1300–50; from Latin contemplātīvus, from contemplāt(us) “surveyed, observed” ( contemplate ) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English contemplatif, from Anglo-French, from Latin, as above

Example Sentences

Create a little annex of contemplative delight in the living room — somewhere to land with a drink and a snack and not feel adrift.

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“We remain contemplative of the unprecedented and mounting industry-wide pressures across supply chains,” he wrote.

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"But there are more strings to his bow, and he also looks to the East in adopting a more contemplative, finely calibrated tone."

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The volcanic explosion provides a theatrically dramatic precedent for Aguilar’s contemplative composition.

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“The Albers’ creative output evokes some mystical idea of live-work balance; it’s easy to imagine them at home, wrapped in the contemplative heat of making things side-by-side.

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Related Words

• introspective 
• meditative 
• pensive 
• reflective 
• thoughtful