meditative
Americanadjective
Synonym Usage
See pensive.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of meditative
From the Late Latin word meditātīvus, dating back to 1605–15. See meditate, -ive
Explanation
The adjective meditative is good for describing something that's reflective or deeply thoughtful. Your favorite movies might be quiet, slow-paced, and meditative. When you reflect on your life or an important decision, you are meditative, and anything that involves this state of mind can be described the same way. A yoga studio often has a meditative feeling about it, and good, thoughtful advice is usually offered in a meditative way. The root of meditative is the Latin word meditat, or "contemplated," which in turn comes from a Proto-Indo-European root that means "to measure, consider, or advise."
Vocabulary lists containing meditative
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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.
Listening events remind us that music can be a full-bodied, meditative journey, however you do it.
From Salon ● Oct. 24, 2026
According to Laura Miller, Mandel expertly weaves together an interconnected cast of characters in this “lovely, meditative new novel.”
From Slate ● Sep. 17, 2026
Mr. Costanzo also shifted gears brilliantly for Farnace’s 11th-hour change of heart, the exquisitely meditative “Già dagli occhi,” as he decides to join his father against the Romans.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026
They're calming, relaxing, and the vibrations can help put you into a meditative state.
From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026
Instead of answering these questions directly, Madame finished her meal and announced her pressing need for a glass of sherry and a meditative nap, so she might commune with the spirits in earnest.
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
