con·tem·plate   (kŏn'təm-plāt')    v.   con·tem·plat·ed, con·tem·plat·ing, con·tem·plates v.   tr. To look at attentively and thoughtfully. See Synonyms at see1. To consider carefully and at length; meditate on or ponder: contemplated the problem from all sides; contemplated the mystery of God. To have in mind as an intention or possibility: contemplate marriage; forced by the accident to contemplate retirement. v.   intr. To ponder; meditate. [Latin contemplārī, contemplāt- : com-, intensive pref.; see com- + templum, space for observing auguries; see tem- in Indo-European roots.] con'tem·pla'tor n.

Contemplate

Con"tem*plate\ (?; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Contemplated (# or #); p. pr. & vb. n. Contemplating.] [L. contemplatus, p. p. of contemplari to contemplate; con- + templum a space for observation marked out by the augur. See Temple.]

1. To look at on all sides or in all its bearings; to view or consider with continued attention; to regard with deliberate care; to meditate on; to study.

To love, at least contemplate and admire, What I see excellent. --Milton.

We thus dilate Our spirits to the size of that they contemplate. --Byron.

2. To consider or have in view, as contingent or probable; to look forward to; to purpose; to intend.

There remain some particulars to complete the information contemplated by those resolutions. --A. Hamilton.

If a treaty contains any stipulations which contemplate a state of future war. --Kent.

Syn: To view; behold; study; ponder; muse; meditate on; reflect on; consider; intend; design; plan; propose; purpose. See Meditate.