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contemplate

verb
con·​tem·​plate | \ ˈkän-təm-ˌplāt How to pronounce contemplate (audio) , -ˌtem-\
contemplated; contemplating

Definition of contemplate

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
Other Words from contemplate Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about contemplate

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Other Words from contemplate

contemplator \ ˈkän-​təm-​ˌplā-​tər How to pronounce contemplator (audio) , -​ˌtem \ noun

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 As the Red Sox contemplate their outfield in the years to come, Andrew Benintendi is turning more into Mike Greenwell than Fred Lynn. — Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, "Twins expected more power this season — just not this much," 7 Sep. 2019 Progress on the shelters comes as the county supervisors and other local officials contemplate a homeless census that suggested the local homeless population decreased by nearly 15% between 2017 and this year. — Jim Johnson, The Mercury News, "Monterey County homeless shelters move forward despite lawsuit," 7 Sep. 2019 And what better pitch to advertisers (which is how Pinterest makes its money, after all) than the idea that people are visiting the site while contemplating a lifestyle change that requires big spending? — Polina Marinova, Fortune, "Startups Going Public Have Created Their Own Literary Genre: Term Sheet," 29 Aug. 2019 Raekwon Davis paused to think, contemplating his answer. — Rainer Sabin | [email protected], al, "Alabama DL Raekwon Davis ready to make most of (surprising) senior year," 29 Aug. 2019 He was selected first overall by the Bills in ’69, and though briefly contemplated sitting out a year in order to play in California, went on to become the best running back of the 1970s. — The Si Staff, SI.com, "100 Figures Who Shaped the NFL’s First Century," 28 Aug. 2019 Both feel crushing guilt for leaving their mother in China, even as their cousin contemplates rebooting this generational cycle of estrangement all over again by sending her own son abroad. — Zoë Hu, The New Republic, "Crazy Sad Asians," 27 Aug. 2019 What Lightfoot says: There’s no need contemplate a strike. — Lisa Donovan, chicagotribune.com, "The Spin: The rush to OK Lincoln Yards tax subsidy | CTU’s strike talk | Joe Walsh vs. President Donald Trump," 26 Aug. 2019 Dominating a wall of the atrium is a stunning fresco of the hunter Narcissus leaning languidly on a block of stone while contemplating his reflection in a pool of water. — Chiara Goia, Smithsonian, "The New Treasures of Pompeii," 21 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'contemplate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of contemplate

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for contemplate

Latin contemplatus, past participle of contemplari, from com- + templum space marked out for observation of auguries — more at temple

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More Definitions for contemplate

contemplate

verb
How to pronounce contemplate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of contemplate

: to think deeply or carefully about (something)
: to think deeply
: to think about doing (something)

See the full definition for contemplate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

contemplate

verb
con·​tem·​plate | \ ˈkän-təm-ˌplāt How to pronounce contemplate (audio) \
contemplated; contemplating

Kids Definition of contemplate

1 : to look at with careful and thoughtful attention
2 : to think about deeply and carefully
3 : to have in mind : plan on Maybe we should contemplate a trip to Europe.

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More from Merriam-Webster on contemplate

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with contemplate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for contemplate

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