contemplate
verb (used with object)
to look at or view with continued attention; observe or study thoughtfully.
had contemplated
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past perfectof contemplate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
After he posted on the Chinese social-media site Weibo that Zheng had contemplated seeking abortions, the Chinese Communist Party released a statement criticizing them.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 14, 2025
He says the Americans had contemplated carrying out similar attacks in the past, but had shied away because of the potential implications.
From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2024
Bell came forward 20 years after Peck’s conviction and after he had contemplated sharing his story while in rehab in 2023.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 20, 2024
The pair dated for a time and Charles had contemplated marriage, but felt too young to take such a major step.
From Reuters ● May 6, 2023
Her mind had contemplated it and rejected it with an intensity that left her nauseated.
From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov
