verb
Uncommon
contemplate
KON-tuhm-playt
Contemplate (verb) means to think about something carefully and at length; to consider deeply. Example: “He sat by the window, contemplating his next move.”
verb
1
To think about something carefully and at length; to consider deeply.
"He sat by the window, contemplating his next move."
"She contemplated the painting for several minutes before speaking."
2
To consider something as a possible future action.
"They are contemplating a move to the countryside."
How to use contemplate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo think seriously about something, either to understand it better or to weigh it as an option.
Common pairings
contemplate the future
contemplate a decision
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like contemplate.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- contemplates
- Past tense
- contemplated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the painting for several minutes before speaking.
Etymology
From Latin contemplari, "to observe or gaze at attentively" — the root also behind "template."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for contemplate
See all rhymes for 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.
