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.
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
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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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