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View synonyms for contemplate

contemplate

[ kon-tuhm-pleyt, -tem- ]

verb (used with object)

, con·tem·plat·ed, con·tem·plat·ing.
  1. to look at or view with continued attention; observe or study thoughtfully:

    to contemplate the stars.

    Synonyms: survey, regard, behold

  2. to consider thoroughly; think fully or deeply about:

    to contemplate a difficult problem.

    Synonyms: ponder, study

  3. to have as a purpose; intend:

    The District Attorney's office does not contemplate any charges.

    Synonyms: plan, design

  4. to have in view as a future event:

    to contemplate buying a new car.



verb (used without object)

, con·tem·plat·ed, con·tem·plat·ing.
  1. to think studiously; consider deliberately; meditate.

contemplate

/ -təm-; ˈkɒntɛmˌpleɪt /

verb

  1. to think about intently and at length; consider calmly
  2. intr to think intently and at length, esp for spiritual reasons; meditate
  3. to look at thoughtfully; observe pensively
  4. to have in mind as a possibility

    to contemplate changing jobs



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Derived Forms

  • ˈcontemˌplator, noun

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Other Words From

  • con·tem·pla·tor noun
  • pre·con·tem·plate verb precontemplated precontemplating
  • re·con·tem·plate verb recontemplated recontemplating
  • un·con·tem·plat·ed adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of contemplate1

First recorded in 1585–95; from Latin contemplātus, past participle of contemplāre, contemplārī “to survey, observe,” equivalent to con- “with, together” + templ(um) “space marked off for augural observation” + -ātus past participle suffix; con-, temple 1, -ate 1

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Word History and Origins

Origin of contemplate1

C16: from Latin contemplāre, from templum temple 1

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Example Sentences

Mom and Barbara would later become fast friends and political allies, and they are who I have in my heart as we contemplate this bittersweet centennial.

From Fortune

No one in the EU is contemplating an association agreement with Belarus.

From Ozy

ChilledCow’s soft hip-hop jams are just what you need to keep you mellow while studying, running errands or lying on the floor contemplating eternity.

From Ozy

The normalcy I used to feel within the campus “bubble” no longer exists, and I’ve been forced to contemplate what kind of world I may be graduating into next year.

From Ozy

By contemplating the end times, we can refine our understanding of the universe, but we can’t change its fate.

“The idea of Mitch McConnell as the Majority Leader is too bizarre and dark to contemplate [right now],” she said.

But the consequences of a nuclear exchange are almost too horrible to contemplate.

As the Cofán shaman blew strongly over the cup, I took those few seconds to contemplate how I had managed to find myself here.

“As the day of the operation drew closer, it became more and more painful and frightening to contemplate,” wrote Reeve.

When I contemplate God among the dead I find only emptiness and silence.

The working man was incited to contemplate the beauty of the night's rest that followed on the exhaustion of the day.

One step might spoil everything and lead to an exposure, the consequences of which were altogether too terrible to contemplate.

And when we contemplate aright the exercise as sanctioned by the procedure of God, how distinctly are these brought before us!

It seemed that even the country gentlemen must begin to contemplate the probability of an alarming crisis.

Let us often contemplate this sorrow, and excite our hearts to a tender compassion with the Mother of Sorrows.

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contemplablecontemplating