contemplative
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of contemplative
First recorded in 1300–50; from Latin contemplātīvus, from contemplāt(us) “surveyed, observed” ( see contemplate) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English contemplatif, from Anglo-French, from Latin, as above
Explanation
The contemplative life is one filled with deep and serious thought, and is often associated with monks, nuns, philosophers, and theorists. The adjective contemplative means "pensive," "meditative," or "brooding." Contemplative moments, of course, aren't restricted to white-bearded hermits living in caves on mountaintops. You might also hear the word when people are talking about yoga or meditation, as these are quiet activities meant to be thoughtfully performed. Some kinds of poetry and music are described as contemplative, especially if they give you space to daydream or think about their themes. A walk through nature can also be a contemplative activity.
Vocabulary lists containing contemplative
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 7
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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 2
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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.
Contemplative moments in “The Last of Us” ease our connection with these characters and many of the season’s new additions.
From Salon • Apr. 13, 2025
A Vatican spokesman, Alessandro Gisotti, said later that Francis was referring to the Contemplative Sisters of Saint-Jean, a small group in France that confronted a variety of problems.
From New York Times • Feb. 5, 2019
SAT Contemplative 1/2 mile walk offering research-based healing and wellness, for ages 15+, 10 a.m.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 9, 2019
“It's a Contemplative Finn — he has grown so much.”
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 31, 2018
It was so easy to sit still and listen—that is why the huge majority of us find it impossible, and are angry that here and there a Contemplative nun wants to do it.
From Mariquita A Novel by Ayscough, John
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
