contemplate

verb

con·​tem·​plate ˈkän-təm-ˌplāt 

-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

ˈkän-təm-ˌplā-tər 

-ˌtem

noun

Synonyms

• chew over
• cogitate
• consider
• debate
• deliberate
• entertain
• eye
• kick around
• meditate
• mull (over)
• perpend
• ponder
• pore (over)
• question
• revolve
• ruminate
• study
• think (about or over)
• turn
• weigh
• wrestle (with)

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

The Rockies are contemplating calling up infielder Adael Amador, the club’s top prospect, from Double-A Hartford, a source confirmed Saturday. —Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 8 June 2024

As a result, developers and housing advocates are appealing to state lawmakers and others for assistance, contemplating alternative but potentially riskier avenues to insure themselves, or even exiting the affordable-housing business altogether. —David W. Chen, New York Times, 7 June 2024

Stockbridge Capital is retaining the eastern center — anchored by the Regal Edwards movie theater and home to Barnes & Noble and Old Navy — where the firm is contemplating a mixed-use redevelopment of the property, Nagel said. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2024

The first two episodes of The Acolyte showcase the Jedi’s hubris and their failure to even contemplate the return of the Sith as a threat. —Jack Francis, Vulture, 5 June 2024

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

Kids Definition

contemplate

verb

con·​tem·​plate ˈkänt-əm-ˌplāt 

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

-ˌplāt-ər 

noun