contemplation

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/ˌkɒntəmˈpleɪʃn/
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Deep reflective thought, calm attentive looking, and the formal idea of something being considered or planned.
Practice using this word in conversation

Examples

  • The law treats a crime in contemplation differently from one already attempted.
  • The decision deserved more contemplation than a quick vote.
  • No merger is currently in contemplation.
  • She stood in quiet contemplation of the painting.
  • A move abroad was still in contemplation, not yet decided.

Similar words

introspection
intention
consideration
watching
reflection
pondering
consideration
rumination
plan
inspection

Meanings

Deep or careful thought

noun
mental
neutral
Deep, sustained attention to an idea, question, or experience, often quiet enough to feel meditative or spiritual.

Usage

Use contemplation when thought is slow, serious, and sustained, not for a quick opinion or passing idea.

Examples

  • After long contemplation, she changed the design.
  • The retreat leaves several hours each day for silent contemplation.
  • His essay grew out of years of contemplation on justice.
  • A few minutes of quiet contemplation helped settle her thoughts.
  • The decision deserved more contemplation than a quick vote.
  • In prayer and contemplation, the monks sought a deeper awareness of God.

Common mistakes

The noun is used as if it were the verb, or the preposition after it is dropped.
IncorrectCorrect
I contemplation the question every night. I contemplate the question every night.
She spent an hour in contemplation the problem. She spent an hour in contemplation of the problem.
After quick contemplation, he answered at once. After a quick thought, he answered at once.
His contemplation was to leave early. His intention was to leave early.

Similar words

reflection
meditation
consideration
deliberation
pondering
introspection
rumination
thought

Calm attentive looking

noun
perception
neutral
A steady, thoughtful look at something, especially when the observer studies it quietly rather than merely glancing.

Usage

Use contemplation for a calm, absorbed gaze at art, nature, or a scene, not for ordinary watching or surveillance.

Examples

  • She stood in quiet contemplation of the painting.
  • The garden invited slow contemplation from every bench.
  • He turned away from his contemplation of the sea.
  • The photograph catches a child in contemplation of a candle flame.
  • Her contemplation of the ruins lasted until dusk.
  • The sculpture rewards close contemplation from different angles.

Common mistakes

The word is forced into everyday looking where look, watch, or gaze would be natural.
IncorrectCorrect
Give the chart a contemplation before the meeting. Look at the chart before the meeting.
The guard kept contemplation on the door. The guard kept watch on the door.
She made a contemplation at the painting. She gazed at the painting.
His contemplation saw the error. His careful look revealed the error.

Similar words

gaze
observation
regard
study
scrutiny
viewing
inspection
watching

Plan under consideration

noun
planning
formal
A formal way to say that an action, measure, or event is being considered, intended, or expected.

Usage

Use contemplation mainly in the phrase in contemplation, especially in formal writing about plans or possible action.

Examples

  • Several changes are in contemplation for next year.
  • No merger is currently in contemplation.
  • The law treats a crime in contemplation differently from one already attempted.
  • A move abroad was still in contemplation, not yet decided.
  • The board kept the proposal in contemplation through the summer.
  • New safety rules are in contemplation after the report.

Common mistakes

The formal phrase is replaced with a casual verb, or contemplation is used where plan is clearer.
IncorrectCorrect
We contemplation a new office. We are considering a new office.
A new office is on contemplation. A new office is in contemplation.
The picnic is in contemplation for Saturday. The picnic is planned for Saturday.
I have a contemplation to call her. I have a plan to call her.

Similar words

intention
expectation
plan
prospect
proposal
consideration

Usage

Use contemplation for sustained thought or a quiet absorbed gaze, and reserve in contemplation for formal plans under consideration.

Common mistakes

I contemplation wrongly uses the noun as a verb, and everyday phrases like watch the door should not be inflated into contemplation.

Etymology

From Middle English via Old French and Latin contemplatio, from contemplari, meaning to look fixedly, observe, or ponder. The Latin verb is connected with templum, a marked-out place for observation.

FAQ

What does contemplation mean?

Contemplation means deep or careful thought, and it can also mean calm, attentive looking.

Is contemplation the same as meditation?

They overlap, but contemplation often stresses reflective thought or spiritual attention, while meditation can name a wider set of mental practices.

Can contemplation mean looking at something?

Yes. A person can be in contemplation of a painting, a landscape, or another object viewed calmly and carefully.

What does in contemplation mean?

In contemplation is a formal phrase meaning that something is being considered, intended, or planned.

Is contemplation a verb?

No. Contemplation is a noun, and the verb is contemplate.

Where does contemplation come from?

Contemplation comes through French and Latin from a verb meaning to look fixedly, observe, or ponder.

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