contemplate

1 of 2

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

contemplator

2 of 2

noun

con·​tem·​pla·​tor ˈkän-təm-ˌplā-tər 

-(ˌ)tem-

plural -s

1

: a person who contemplates or is contemplative

2

obsolete : theorizer, speculator

Synonyms of contemplate

Verb

• 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

Verb

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

Verb

Anderson of Johns Hopkins has been working with a dozen other researchers, through grants from Arnold Ventures, to study prices more and contemplate state-level legislation that mirrors the CBO’s options. — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026

Batavia city documents suggest this is not the first time a gate at the city boundary has been contemplated, though the city has at various points expressed its preference for having no gates at all and allowing traffic to flow in both directions. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

The city is contemplating a slate of public incentives estimated to total around $185 million. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Given the enormous threat AI poses to millions of jobs, the governor’s framework thoughtfully contemplates how to center Maryland workers in regulation of this technology. — Matt Post, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Noun

Latin, from contemplatus + -or

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for contemplate

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

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