contemplative

American  

[kuhn-tem-pluh-tiv, kon-tuhm-pley-, -tem-] / kənˈtɛm plə tɪv, ˈkɒn təmˌpleɪ-, -tɛm- /

adjective

1. given to or characterized by contemplation.

   a contemplative mind.

   Synonyms:

   meditative , reflective , thoughtful

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noun

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

contemplative British  

/ -təm-, kənˈtɛmplə-, ˈkɒntɛmˌpleɪtɪv /

adjective

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

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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

Etymology

Origin of contemplative

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

“No matter how mundane some action might appear,” he writes, “keep at it long enough and it becomes a contemplative, even meditative act.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Salon

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

From Barron's

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

From Barron's

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• introspective
• meditative
• pensive
• reflective
• thoughtful