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
From the M-W Editors
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
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In his homily, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, current president of the bishops’ conference, focused on the need for contemplation as a necessary means to such love.
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Over that time, 67.4 percent of cases involving white people resulted in ACD [adjournment in contemplation of dismissal], while 56.7 percent of cases involving black people and 59.2 percent of cases involving Hispanic people ended in ACD.
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In contrast, Savista is more an oasis for contemplation, with gardens for wandering, surrounded by farmlands and a bird sanctuary.
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If the role of the poet laureate is, in part, to be an ambassador, Smith will be a representative for listening, quiet and contemplation.
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A long-limbed former actor and recovering addict, Beisner carries himself with the serenity of someone used to sitting cross-legged for very long periods of contemplation.
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Both North Korea and China featured in his quick-fire bout of contemplation.
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Now, as the next morning ran hotly toward noon, Moral Hazard lay down on the fire escape in deep contemplation of how nothing really is new under the sun.
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Like so much art of the African diaspora, salsa is made not for typical museum-style contemplation, but for motion and participation.
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
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
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: the act of thinking deeply about something
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: 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
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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
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