contemplate
C1Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
To look at or consider something thoughtfully for a long time.
To think about something deeply, often about a future possibility or a philosophical question; to consider as a possible course of action.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word involves sustained, serious, and often meditative thought. It can imply both visual observation (looking at) and mental reflection (thinking about). It often carries a connotation of depth, seriousness, or potential action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Usage patterns are similar. British usage might be slightly more common in formal literary contexts, but this is a minor distinction.
Connotations
Equally formal in both dialects. Slightly more associated with philosophical or artistic reflection.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both dialects; considered a mid-to-high frequency word in formal and academic registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
contemplate + noun phrase (e.g., contemplate a decision)contemplate + gerund (e.g., contemplate leaving)contemplate + wh-clause (e.g., contemplate what to do)contemplate + on/about (less common, more formal)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly, but often used in phrases like 'stand and contemplate' or 'left to contemplate one's navel' (derogatory, for excessive introspection).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used when considering major strategic decisions, career changes, or mergers. (e.g., 'The board is contemplating a restructuring.')
Academic
Common in philosophy, literature, and social sciences to describe deep reflection on concepts, texts, or phenomena.
Everyday
Used for significant personal decisions or when looking thoughtfully at something like art or a landscape.
Technical
Rare in highly technical fields like engineering; more common in psychology or cognitive science regarding thought processes.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She sat by the window to contemplate the garden.
- He is contemplating a move to Scotland for university.
- They contemplated whether to invest in the new scheme.
American English
- He took a moment to contemplate the Grand Canyon's vastness.
- She is contemplating changing careers entirely.
- The team contemplated their next play carefully.
adverb
British English
- He nodded contemplatively before giving his answer.
American English
- She gazed contemplatively out over the city skyline.
adjective
British English
- She had a contemplative expression as she gazed at the painting.
- The contemplative mood of the poem was striking.
American English
- He was in a contemplative state after the meeting.
- The music created a contemplative atmosphere in the room.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like to sit and contemplate the sea.
- He contemplated his future career options for a long time.
- The philosopher contemplated the nature of happiness and its role in society.
- After the failed experiment, she was forced to contemplate the fundamental assumptions of her research.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TEMPLE (from 'templ' in contemplate) where you go for quiet, deep thought. You 'CON' (with) your thoughts in a temple.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS SEEING (e.g., 'I see what you mean'). To contemplate is to 'look at' something with your mind's eye.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'созерцать' (which is more passive observation). 'Contemplate' is more active and thoughtful.
- 'Обдумывать' or 'размышлять' are closer translations.
- Avoid using it for quick, everyday thoughts; it implies depth and time.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for short thoughts (e.g., 'I contemplated what to have for lunch' is too trivial).
- Incorrect preposition: 'contemplate about' is less standard than 'contemplate' directly + object.
- Spelling error: 'contimplate'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'contemplate' MOST appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost always followed by a gerund (e.g., 'contemplate leaving'), not an infinitive ('contemplate to leave' is incorrect).
'Contemplate' implies deeper, more prolonged, and often more abstract thought. 'Consider' is more general and neutral, applicable to both quick and serious consideration.
Yes, but this is a more literary usage. It means to look at something thoughtfully and steadily, not just a glance (e.g., 'contemplate a masterpiece').
It is neutral-to-formal. It is fine in academic and professional writing but might sound too strong for very casual conversation about minor topics.