contemplate

American  

[kon-tuhm-pleyt, -tem-] / ˈkɒn təmˌpleɪt, -tɛm- /

verb (used with object)

contemplated, contemplating

1. to look at or view with continued attention; observe or study thoughtfully.

   to contemplate the stars.

   Synonyms:

   survey, regard, behold

2. to consider thoroughly; think fully or deeply about.

   to contemplate a difficult problem.

   Synonyms:

   ponder, study

3. to have as a purpose; intend.

   The District Attorney's office does not contemplate any charges.

   Synonyms:

   plan, design

4. to have in view as a future event.

   to contemplate buying a new car.

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verb (used without object)

contemplated, contemplating

1. to think studiously; consider deliberately; meditate.

contemplate British  

/ -təm-, ˈkɒntɛmˌpleɪt /

verb

1. to think about intently and at length; consider calmly

2. (intr) to think intently and at length, esp for spiritual reasons; meditate

3. to look at thoughtfully; observe pensively

4. to have in mind as a possibility

   to contemplate changing jobs

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Other Word Forms

• contemplator noun
• precontemplate verb
• recontemplate verb
• uncontemplated adjective

Etymology

Origin of contemplate

First recorded in 1585–95; from Latin contemplātus, past participle of contemplāre, contemplārī “to survey, observe,” equivalent to con- “with, together” + templ(um) “space marked off for augural observation” + -ātus past participle suffix; con-, temple ¹, -ate ¹

Explanation

Before you accept a job offer, or a college's offer of admission, you should take time to contemplate the pros and cons of your decision. If you contemplate something, you think about it carefully. Contemplate is from Latin contemplatus, past participle of contemplari "to gaze attentively, observe," from the prefix com- "together" plus templum "temple." The original meaning of Latin contemplari was "to mark out a space for observing auguries or omens," and the temple was a holy space reserved for this purpose.

Example Sentences

At that stage, Strategy was sitting on unrealized losses of almost $5 billion and despite public displays of bravura and a refusal to contemplate selling, the pressure on Strategy’s stock price was relentless.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Now, like many of her fellow Israelis, Zvi is asking herself what this conflict actually achieved for her country and is finding it hard to contemplate what happens next.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Aristotle was among the first to contemplate the question of how to think—more specifically, how to make a good argument—with his systemic structure of syllogisms, or arguments set up in the form of two premises.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Investors should contemplate this war’s financial effects just the same.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

He could hear Father Mulrooney telling him to contemplate the virtues of obedience.

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Related Words

• aim
• consider
• envisage
• foresee
• intend
• mean
• mull over
• ponder
• propose
• think of
• weigh