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 of contemplate

• ponder
• consider
• entertain
• debate
• study
• question

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

Zbur said future expansion would be based on its success in Santa Monica, and that such expansion is already contemplated. —Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026

As Jackson County officials contemplated what to call the state-of-the-art twin stadiums due to open in the early 1970s, one obvious name emerged. —Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026

The board has also contemplated devising an explanation or message for the county’s website detailing to the public the reason for the changes. —Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

But bad ideas are endemic to the region, so now the city is contemplating a similar diversion of its reserves. —Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for contemplate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

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