contemplation
Americannoun
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the act of contemplating; thoughtful observation.
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full or deep consideration; reflection.
religious contemplation.
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purpose or intention.
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prospect or expectation.
noun
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thoughtful or long consideration or observation
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spiritual meditation esp (in Christian religious practice) concentration of the mind and soul upon God Compare meditation
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purpose or intention
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.
Her aim, Halsey said, is to preserve the history of the neighborhood where she grew up while empowering its residents through education, cultural programming and contemplation.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026
He added that the burning of the coat suggested that there had been a contemplation of avoiding responsibility, describing it as an "appalling decision".
From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026
It also proved Murphy’s glossy approach could coax viewers into considerate contemplation about systemic ills by wrapping them in celebrity skin.
From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026
"These are moments of peace and contemplation," Atoukou said.
From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026
The colonel sat down again and smiled distantly in lavish contemplation.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
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.
