contemplate

verb

SayKON-tuhm-playt/ˈkɑn.təmˌpleɪt/UK/ˈkɒn.təmˌpleɪt/

Formscontemplates, contemplating, contemplated

2 meanings of contemplate

Practice

1
verbtransitive
To think about something as a possible course of action or likely outcome.
Investors must contemplate the risks before committing large sums.
The board is contemplating a merger with its largest competitor.
Similarconsider, weigh, entertain, envisage, plan
Oppositereject, dismiss
2
verbtransitive
To regard or consider something with sustained, careful attention; to ponder, study, or meditate on it.
Monks contemplate sacred texts for hours each day.
She spent the whole evening contemplating the meaning of the letter.
Similarponder, consider, study, examine, scrutinize
Oppositeignore, disregard

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Origin

First recorded in the 1590s, it comes from Latin contemplātus, the perfect participle of contemplor ("to observe, survey, gaze at, contemplate"), formed with the verb-making suffix -ate.