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

• chew over
• cogitate
• consider
• debate
• deliberate
• entertain
• eye
• kick around
• meditate
• mull (over)
• perpend
• ponder
• pore (over)
• question
• revolve
• ruminate
• study
• think (about or over)
• turn
• weigh
• wrestle (with)

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

Companies contemplating manufacturing investments took both sides into account when planning where to build or expand a plant. —Lydia Depillis, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

The space lends itself to lounging, contemplating and just being. —Yola Robert, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

While pursuing a childhood dream on the mats, Kenney has spent the past two weeks contemplating the unexpected death of a grandfather who was an important person in his life. —Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025

From sitting and sobbing to contemplating his own mortality, Benny Blanco’s showers have it all. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025

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