contemplated - Master This Word
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contemplated Word Meanings
- to think deeply about something
- to consider or reflect on
- to observe thoughtfully
contemplated Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
- I like to contemplate nature.
- She sat down to contemplate her choices.
- He often contemplates the meaning of life.
- We should contemplate our next steps.
- They contemplated the beauty of the sunset.
contemplated Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/
US
/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪt/
contemplated Word Etymology
com- = together + templare = to set up or structure; Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a person sitting quietly, surrounded by beautiful structures, deep in thought, contemplating the beauty of life.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
You lean back, set your gaze on a question, and push your thoughts toward it. A moment passes as ideas move, shift, and settle, like coins dropping into a jar. It feels steady and careful, a subtle pull of attention that keeps you from rushing. You contemplate the plan, weighing options, and decide what to do next.
Real Context
Contemplate means to think deeply about something, often with careful consideration and time, rather than a quick glance or casual remark. It implies deliberate reflection, weighing options, and pondering complex ideas, and can apply to both abstract questions like life's meaning and concrete observations, such as a scene before you. In usage, contemplate is more formal than think about or consider, and commonly takes a direct object or the gerund form (contemplating doing something) rather than a simple prepositional phrase. It invites a patient, inward focus, and is well suited to situations that resist speedy decisions.
Usage Reminders
- Use contemplate for deep, prolonged thinking about a complex topic.
- Avoid using it for quick decisions or casual observations.
- Often used with a direct object (contemplate the meaning of life) or with a gerund (contemplating doing something).
- It sounds more formal than think about or consider and is common in thoughtful discourse.
- In formal writing, you may see it followed by a phrase that introduces future actions or possibilities.
Common Misconceptions
- It means daydreaming or staring pensively without purpose.
- It always implies planning to do something concrete right away.
- It can be used interchangeably with think about in casual speech.
- It is only used for major, life-altering decisions.
- It requires a prepositional phrase like about.
Thinking Differences
English tends to reserve contemplation for deep, formal reflection; learners may default to think about, which misses the emphasis on extended, careful thinking.
Learning Tips
- Notice the formal tone: reserve contemplation for serious, deliberate thinking.
- Pair with about/on only when you mean thinking deeply about a topic, not every action.
- Practice with both noun phrases (the contemplation of success) and gerund forms (contemplating moving).
- Compare with think about and consider to feel the nuance difference in formality.
- Use in writing to convey thoughtful analysis rather than quick judgment.
- Listen for contexts that stress time and effort spent thinking.
Related Listening
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