contemplative
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
noun
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
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.
Nguyen deftly crafts a poignant and contemplative snapshot of these seven bonded men who are caught between several masters in the creation of “Arirang.”
From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026
After the energy of the five opening songs, we hear the resonant toll of The Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok - one of Korea's national treasures - and BTS slip into a more contemplative mode.
From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026
When discussing the two years he spent in Metallica and the bad blood that followed, Mustaine is contemplative and serene.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026
In the former he proved compellingly contemplative and introspective, while in the latter he established an impressive arc, growing from unleashing unbounded, extroverted dimensions to embodying crumpled dejection.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026
She thought that he was wise and contemplative and listened with all his heart.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
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.
