contemplate

verb

con·​tem·​plate ˈkän-təm-ˌplāt How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
-ˌtem-
contemplated; contemplating

transitive verb

1
: to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on
contemplate the vastness of the universe
contemplated the meaning of the poem
2
: to view as likely or probable or as an end or intention
contemplate marriage
contemplated a move to Alaska

intransitive verb

: ponder, meditate
wanted time to just sit and contemplate
contemplator noun
Choose the Right Synonym for contemplate

consider, study, contemplate, weigh mean to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision.

consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.

contemplate the consequences of refusing

weigh implies attempting to reach the truth or arrive at a decision by balancing conflicting claims or evidence.

weigh the pros and cons of the case

Examples of contemplate in a Sentence

He contemplated the meaning of the poem for a long time. I'd like some time to just sit and contemplate. She stood and quietly contemplated the scene that lay before her.
Recent Examples on the Web Cities are also starting to bear the brunt, as municipal budgets that rely on taxes associated with valuable commercial property are now facing shortfalls and contemplating cutbacks as lower assessments of property values reduce tax bills. Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 In contemplating whether to jettison the cardinal rule of past Mideast diplomacy, Mr. Biden may take encouragement from a 21st-century subclause. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Mar. 2024 The most compelling moments are the bursts of archival footage where the younger Stones contemplate their longevity. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024 Nearly three decades later, the same people who paid for a PSL at the franchise’s birth are the same who are contemplating what to do next. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2024 In response, conservationists here are frantically chopping down trees — and are even contemplating burning them down. Katharine Houreld, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 The seven-time NFL Pro Bowler has contemplated his retirement in public for years, often citing his family as a reason to step away from the game. Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 When contemplating potential revenue loss, Firth said the Letson Loft made $400,000 in revenue last year. Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 3 Mar. 2024 For a high-speed rail line, of the two routes contemplated 15 years ago, the path along 163 and 8 would have the advantage of using already existing public right-of-way — similar to how the rest of San Diego’s route would use the I-15 right-of-way. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contemplate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin contemplātus, past participle of contemplāre, contemplārī "to look at fixedly, observe, notice, ponder," from con- con- + -templāre, -templārī, verbal derivative of templum "space of sky or land delimited orally by an augur, sacred precinct, building consecrated to a deity" — more at temple entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contemplate was circa 1533

Dictionary Entries Near contemplate

Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contemplate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

contemplate

verb
con·​tem·​plate ˈkänt-əm-ˌplāt How to pronounce contemplate (audio)
ˈkän-ˌtem-
contemplated; contemplating
1
: to view or consider with careful and thoughtful attention
2
: to have in mind : plan on
contemplating a trip
contemplator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on contemplate

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