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contemplation

 - 3 dictionary results

con⋅tem⋅pla⋅tion

  [kon-tuhm-pley-shuhn, -tem-]
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–noun
1. the act of contemplating; thoughtful observation.
2. full or deep consideration; reflection: religious contemplation.
3. purpose or intention.
4. prospect or expectation.
Origin:
1175–1225; < L contemplātiōn- (s. of contemplātiō); see contemplate, -ion; r. ME contemplaci(o)un < AF < L, as above
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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con·tem·pla·tion   (kŏn'təm-plā'shən)   
n.  

  1. The act or state of contemplating.

  2. Thoughtful observation or study.

  3. Meditation on spiritual matters, especially as a form of devotion.

  4. Intention or expectation: sought further information in contemplation of a career change.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

contemplation 
c.1225, from O.Fr. contemplation, from L. contemplationem "act of looking at," from contemplari "to gaze attentively, observe," orig. "to mark out a space for observation" (as an augur does). From com- intensive prefix + templum "area for the taking of auguries" (see temple). Originally in Eng., "religious musing." Contemplate is from 1592; contemplative is from 1340.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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