contemplate
verb (used with object)
to look at or view with continued attention; observe or study thoughtfully.
had been contemplating
-
past perfect progressiveof contemplate.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Leeds lost its sprawling tram network in 1959 but, just 15 years earlier, civic planners had been contemplating tunnelling beneath the city centre to create an underground system.
From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2025
Streisand told the Associated Press that she had been contemplating writing her memoir since at least 2009 when she began writing down thoughts and wondering whether she wanted to “relive” her life.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 8, 2023
However, a note apparently written to his family before the ruling decision indicates that the former prime minister had been contemplating his fate.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 23, 2022
Within days, the biggest names in golf — some of whom had been contemplating taking the guaranteed Saudi riches — publicly stated support for the PGA Tour.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 25, 2022
I had been contemplating the matter as if I had a choice.
From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood
