contemplate
12 synonyms and 2 antonyms for contemplate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To think about something carefully and at length; to consider deeply.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use contemplate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
contemplate the future
contemplate a decision
Etymology
From Latin contemplari, "to observe or gaze at attentively" — the root also behind "template."
Full origin of contemplate →Frequently asked questions
What does “contemplate” mean?
The word “contemplate” means to think about something carefully and at length; to consider deeply. In plain terms, to think seriously about something, either to understand it better or to weigh it as an option.
How do you pronounce “contemplate”?
“Contemplate” is pronounced KON-tuhm-playt (/ˈkɑn.təmˌpleɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “contemplate” in a sentence?
Here is “contemplate” used in a sentence: “She contemplated the painting for several minutes before speaking.”
What part of speech is “contemplate”?
“Contemplate” is a verb.
Where does the word “contemplate” come from?
The word “contemplate” comes from Latin. From Latin contemplari, "to observe or gaze at attentively" — the root also behind "template.".
Is “contemplate” a common word?
“Contemplate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “contemplate” have?
“Contemplate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to think about something carefully and at length; to consider deeply.
