WordValecontemplate
to consider thoughtfully
In more detail
1. (verb) to think about something seriously and for a long time
2. (verb) to look at something carefully or with wonder
Examples
- She sat quietly to contemplate the difficult decision she had to make.
- He stood contemplating the beautiful sunset over the ocean.
How to use contemplate
Contemplate suggests deep, serious, and often prolonged thinking, often about abstract or weighty matters. It can also mean to observe or gaze at something with thoughtfulness or admiration. It is more formal and deliberative than think about, and often implies a meditative quality rather than quick decision-making.
Common phrases
- contemplate the future
- contemplate retirement
- contemplate a decision
- contemplate the view
- contemplate existence
Synonyms
ponder · reflect on · meditate on · consider · muse
Word family
contemplation (noun) · contemplative (adjective) · contemplatively (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use contemplate when a simpler verb like think or look would be more natural in casual contexts; contemplate is not typically used for simple, quick mental acts.
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