Definition of contemplation
1a : concentration on spiritual things as a form of private devotionb : a state of mystical awareness of God's being
2 : an act of considering with attention : study made the decision after much contemplation
3 : the act of regarding steadily was lost in quiet contemplation of the scene
4 : intention, expectation “A considerable crime is in contemplation.” — Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of contemplation in a Sentence
contemplation of the meaning of life
He goes to the forest to spend time in contemplation of nature.
She was lost in quiet contemplation of the scene.
Recent Examples of contemplation from the Web
-
Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra said her decision was a difficult one and took half a year of contemplation.
-
Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra said her decision was a difficult one and took half a year of contemplation.
-
The studio and gallery will showcase Rodriguez's brightly colored artwork, ranging from layered abstracts to reflections of contemplation to studies of butterflies and bugs, mandalas and more.
-
The hybrid mix of artist, designer, urban planner and musician, producing works that create spaces for play, fun and contemplation making manifest things which previously might only have been allowed space in the far corners of our imaginations.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'contemplation'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of contemplation
see contemplate
First Known Use: 13th century
Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms
Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra
CONTEMPLATION Defined for English Language Learners
contemplation
playDefinition of contemplation for English Language Learners
-
: the act of thinking deeply about something
-
: the act of looking carefully at something
CONTEMPLATION Defined for Kids
contemplation
playDefinition of contemplation for Students
1 : the act of thinking about spiritual things : meditation
2 : the act of looking at or thinking about something for some time
Learn More about contemplation
-
See words that rhyme with contemplation Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for contemplation Spanish Central: Translation of contemplation Nglish: Translation of contemplation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of contemplation for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about contemplation
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up contemplation? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!