verb
contemplate
KON-tuhm-playt
verb
1
To think about something carefully and at length; to consider deeply.
"He sat by the window, contemplating his next move."
"She contemplated the painting for several minutes before speaking."
2
To consider something as a possible future action.
"They are contemplating a move to the countryside."
How to Use Contemplate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo think seriously about something, either to understand it better or to weigh it as an option.
Common pairings
contemplate the future
contemplate a decision
Word Forms
contemplated past tense, contemplates singular
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She _____ the painting for several minutes before speaking.
Etymology
From Latin contemplari, "to observe or gaze at attentively" — the root also behind "template."