Explanation at your level:
To contemplate means to think about something for a long time. Imagine you are looking at a beautiful flower. You look at it carefully. You think about it. That is to contemplate. You can contemplate your day or a nice picture. It is a calm way to think.
When you contemplate, you are thinking deeply. It is more than just a quick thought. If you are choosing a new job, you might contemplate the different choices. You look at the good parts and the bad parts. It helps you make a good decision.
Contemplate is often used when we are considering a future action or reflecting on a complex idea. For instance, you might contemplate moving abroad. It implies that you are not rushing; you are taking your time to understand the situation fully. It is a great word to use when you want to sound more thoughtful in your writing or speaking.
At this level, you can use contemplate to describe abstract concepts. You might contemplate the nature of reality or the consequences of a political decision. It suggests a level of intellectual engagement. It is often used in professional contexts, such as "The board is contemplating a merger," which sounds more serious than "thinking about."
Contemplate is a nuanced verb that often appears in literary and high-level academic discourse. It suggests a state of sustained mental focus, almost meditative in quality. When a writer says a character is "contemplating the abyss," they are describing a profound, existential moment. Use it to convey a sense of gravity, introspection, or philosophical inquiry that simple verbs like 'think' or 'consider' fail to capture.
The usage of contemplate reaches its peak in C2, where it bridges the gap between observation and internal synthesis. Historically, it is linked to the Latin 'contemplari,' a practice of sacred observation. In advanced contexts, it implies an almost spiritual or deeply analytical detachment. You might contemplate the complexities of human history or the subtle shifts in a piece of music. It is the verb of the intellectual, the artist, and the philosopher, requiring a subject that is worthy of such deep, sustained attention.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Contemplate means to think deeply or gaze thoughtfully.
- It is a transitive verb, so it needs an object.
- It is often followed by a gerund (-ing).
- It has roots in ancient religious observation.
When you contemplate, you are doing more than just thinking; you are engaging in deep, focused reflection. It is a word that carries a sense of weight and intention.
Think of it as the mental equivalent of staring at a painting in a gallery. You aren't just glancing; you are analyzing the brushstrokes, the colors, and the mood. Whether you are contemplating a difficult decision or contemplating the stars, you are giving the subject your full, undivided attention.
This verb is perfect for moments of stillness. It suggests a pause in the busyness of life to really process what is happening around you or within your own mind. It is a sophisticated way to say you are pondering or weighing options.
The word contemplate has a fascinating history rooted in ancient religious practices. It comes from the Latin word contemplari, which means to observe or to mark out a space for observation.
In ancient Rome, an augur was a priest who would mark out a sacred space in the sky—a templum—to observe the flight of birds for signs from the gods. This act of marking out a space to watch carefully is the direct ancestor of our modern word.
Over centuries, the meaning shifted from the literal observation of the sky to the internal observation of the mind. It moved from the physical templum (temple) to the mental space of deep thought. It is a beautiful example of how words evolve from physical actions to abstract concepts.
You will often hear contemplate used in formal and academic settings, though it is perfectly fine in everyday conversation. It is a versatile verb that bridges the gap between casual thought and deep philosophy.
Commonly, we use it with gerunds (the -ing form of verbs). For example, you might say, "I am contemplating moving to a new city." This usage is very frequent and sounds more thoughtful than simply saying "thinking about."
It is also used with nouns, such as contemplating the consequences or contemplating the mystery. Because it implies a degree of seriousness, avoid using it for trivial thoughts like "I am contemplating what to have for a snack." Reserve it for things that actually require reflection.
While contemplate itself isn't always part of a specific idiom, it is often associated with these expressions:
- Food for thought: Something that provides reason for reflection. "That lecture gave me plenty of food for thought to contemplate later."
- Deep in thought: Being lost in contemplation. "She was so deep in thought, she didn't hear me enter."
- Weighing one's options: A form of contemplation. "I am weighing my options before I make a final decision."
- Mull over: A casual synonym for contemplating. "I need to mull over your proposal before I agree."
- Let it sink in: Allowing time for contemplation. "After the news, I needed time to let it all sink in."
Contemplate is a regular verb. Its past tense and past participle forms are contemplated, and its present participle is contemplating.
Pronunciation can be tricky. In British English, it is often /ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/, while American English speakers usually say /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪt/. The stress is always on the first syllable: CON-tem-plate.
It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes an object. You contemplate something. You don't just "contemplate"; you need a target for that thought. It is also frequently followed by a gerund, which makes it a very useful tool for discussing future plans or past mistakes.
Fun Fact
It originally referred to priests watching birds in the sky.
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with a short 'o' sound, stress on first syllable.
Starts with a longer 'ah' sound, stress on first syllable.
Common Errors
- Misplacing the stress on the second syllable
- Pronouncing the 'p' too strongly
- Adding an extra syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read in context.
Requires careful grammar.
Sounds sophisticated.
Clear pronunciation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Gerund usage
I like reading.
Transitive verbs
I ate an apple.
Adverb placement
He quickly ran.
Examples by Level
I contemplate the blue sky.
I look at the sky and think.
Simple present tense.
She contemplates the flower.
She looks at the flower carefully.
Third person singular.
We contemplate the sea.
We look at the ocean.
Subject-verb agreement.
He contemplates his book.
He thinks about his book.
Simple present.
They contemplate the stars.
They look at the stars.
Plural subject.
I contemplate the park.
I think about the park.
Simple present.
She contemplates the art.
She looks at art.
Simple present.
We contemplate the day.
We think about the day.
Simple present.
I am contemplating a new job.
She sat there, contemplating her future.
They were contemplating the beautiful view.
He contemplated the answer for a while.
We are contemplating a trip to Italy.
She contemplated the difficult question.
They contemplated the old house.
I often contemplate my goals.
Have you ever contemplated moving to another country?
He stood on the balcony, contemplating the city lights.
The committee is contemplating a change in policy.
She spent the afternoon contemplating her next move.
It is worth contemplating the impact of these changes.
They are contemplating buying a larger house.
I need time to contemplate what you said.
He was contemplating the possibility of failure.
She contemplated the vastness of the universe with awe.
The CEO is contemplating a major restructuring of the firm.
He sat silently, contemplating the consequences of his actions.
We must contemplate the ethical implications of this technology.
She contemplated the painting for several minutes.
They are contemplating a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
I have often contemplated the meaning of life.
He contemplated the map before starting his journey.
The philosopher spent his life contemplating the nature of existence.
She contemplated the shifting political landscape with concern.
They are contemplating a radical shift in their business strategy.
He contemplated the silence of the room, finding it quite heavy.
It is a privilege to contemplate such a masterpiece in person.
She contemplated the irony of the situation with a faint smile.
The architect contemplated the space before drawing the plans.
We should contemplate the long-term effects of this decision.
He gazed out the window, contemplating the ephemeral nature of time.
The scholar contemplated the ancient manuscript with intense focus.
She found herself contemplating the intricate beauty of the architecture.
They contemplated the profound silence that followed the performance.
He contemplated the weight of his legacy upon his shoulders.
She contemplated the subtle nuances of the poet's work.
The artist contemplated the canvas, waiting for inspiration.
They contemplated the vast history embedded in the ruins.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"Food for thought"
Something to think about.
That gave me food for thought.
neutral"Deep in thought"
Concentrating hard.
He was deep in thought.
neutral"Mull over"
Think about something for a while.
Let me mull it over.
casual"Turn over in one's mind"
Think about repeatedly.
I turned it over in my mind.
neutral"Sleep on it"
Wait until tomorrow to decide.
I will sleep on it.
casual"Weigh up"
Compare options.
I am weighing up the pros.
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean thinking.
Consider is broader; contemplate is deeper.
I'm considering a job; I'm contemplating my life.
Both mean deep thought.
Ponder is more internal; contemplate can be external.
I pondered the question.
Both involve looking.
Observe is just seeing; contemplate is thinking while seeing.
I observed the birds; I contemplated their flight.
Both involve focus.
Meditate is usually spiritual or mental stillness.
I meditate every morning.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + contemplate + gerund
I am contemplating moving.
Subject + contemplate + noun
She contemplated the view.
Subject + adverb + contemplate + noun
He quietly contemplated the map.
Subject + contemplate + noun + clause
I contemplated the fact that he left.
Subject + contemplate + noun + prepositional phrase
They contemplated the future with hope.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Contemplate is followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.
Contemplate is a transitive verb; no preposition is needed.
Direct object usage is required.
Use the gerund form for actions.
Do not add 'to'.
Tips
Memory Palace
Associate the word with a temple.
Think before you speak
Use it when you need to show you are taking time.
Art appreciation
Use it when visiting galleries.
No 'about'
Never say 'contemplate about'.
Stress the first
Always hit the 'CON' hard.
No infinitive
Avoid 'contemplate to'.
Bird watching
It comes from ancient priests watching birds.
Journaling
Write 'Today I contemplated...' in your diary.
Professionalism
Use it in work emails instead of 'thinking'.
Gerund rule
Always follow with -ing.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
CON (with) + TEMPLE (sacred place) = Thinking in a sacred place.
Visual Association
A monk sitting in a temple, staring at a candle.
Word Web
Challenge
Spend 5 minutes today contemplating a single beautiful object.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: To mark out a space for observation.
Cultural Context
None, it is a neutral, intellectual word.
Used in both everyday life and philosophical discussions.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- Contemplating a strategy
- Contemplating the budget
- Contemplating a promotion
In nature
- Contemplating the sunset
- Contemplating the horizon
- Contemplating the landscape
Life decisions
- Contemplating my future
- Contemplating a change
- Contemplating my path
Art/Literature
- Contemplating the painting
- Contemplating the meaning
- Contemplating the text
Conversation Starters
"What is something you are currently contemplating?"
"Do you enjoy contemplating the stars at night?"
"Have you ever contemplated moving to a new country?"
"When was the last time you sat and just contemplated life?"
"Do you prefer to contemplate alone or with others?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a difficult decision you are currently contemplating.
Describe a beautiful place where you like to sit and contemplate.
What is one big question about life that you often contemplate?
How does your mood change when you take time to contemplate?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt is slightly formal but very common in daily life.
No, do not use 'about' with contemplate.
It can also mean to look at something carefully.
Contemplation.
CON-tem-plate.
Yes, it ends in -ed for the past tense.
It is better for serious or important thoughts.
Ponder or consider.
Test Yourself
I ___ the beautiful sunset.
Contemplate fits the context of watching something.
What does 'contemplate' mean?
It means to think deeply.
Contemplate is usually followed by an infinitive (to do).
It is followed by a gerund (-ing).
Word
Meaning
These are synonyms.
Subject + verb + gerund.
He is ___ the consequences of his choice.
Needs the gerund form.
Which sentence is correct?
Contemplate + gerund.
Contemplate can be used to describe looking at something physically.
Yes, it means to gaze at or observe.
Word
Meaning
Word family matching.
Subject + verb + object + adverb.
Score: /10
Summary
Contemplate is the perfect word for when you want to show you are thinking deeply and intentionally about something important.
- Contemplate means to think deeply or gaze thoughtfully.
- It is a transitive verb, so it needs an object.
- It is often followed by a gerund (-ing).
- It has roots in ancient religious observation.
Memory Palace
Associate the word with a temple.
Think before you speak
Use it when you need to show you are taking time.
Art appreciation
Use it when visiting galleries.
No 'about'
Never say 'contemplate about'.
Related Content
More general words
abrégé
B1An abstract, summary, or abridgment.
absence
A2The state of being away from a place or person.
absolument
A2Absolutely.
abstinence
B1The practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something.
abstraction
B2Concept ou idée générale plutôt que quelque chose de concret ou particulier.
absurde
B2absurd, ridiculous
à cause de
A2Because of; on account of (a neutral or negative cause).
accompli
B2Successfully completed or achieved.
acheminer
B1To transport, convey, or send something to a destination.
acheté
B2Acquired by paying for it.
