contemplating: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “contemplating” mean?
The process of thinking deeply about something for a significant period, often with an element of consideration or potential intention.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of thinking deeply about something for a significant period, often with an element of consideration or potential intention.
Can refer to a state of reflective observation, serious consideration of a future action, or meditative focus on an idea or object.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is remarkably consistent. Slightly higher frequency in American philosophical/self-help contexts.
Connotations
Equally formal/conceptual in both dialects.
Frequency
Similar corpus frequency; no significant regional preference.
Grammar
How to Use “contemplating” in a Sentence
[Subject] + be + contemplating + [Noun Phrase][Subject] + be + contemplating + [Gerund Clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contemplating” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is contemplating a move to the Highlands.
- He sat by the fire, contemplating his next chess move.
American English
- They're contemplating a major career shift.
- I spent the afternoon contemplating the proposal's implications.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when discussing strategic changes, career moves, or major investments.
Academic
Common in philosophy, psychology, and literature to denote deep reflection.
Everyday
Used for significant life decisions (moving, career changes, relationships).
Technical
Rare in hard sciences; appears in theological, philosophical, or legal writing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contemplating”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “contemplating”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contemplating”
- Using it for trivial thoughts ('I'm contemplating what to have for lunch').
- Confusing with 'considering' where 'considering' is more immediate/practical; 'contemplating' is more profound/abstract.
- Using continuous form incorrectly with stative meaning (but 'contemplating' is inherently active/process-oriented, so continuous forms are fine).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Contemplating' implies deeper, more prolonged, and often more serious or abstract reflection. 'Thinking about' is more general and can be used for trivial matters.
Yes, though it often appears in neutral or serious contexts. One can be 'contemplating a wonderful opportunity' or 'contemplating a beautiful scene'.
Typically by a gerund or a noun phrase. 'Contemplating moving' is standard. The infinitive ('contemplate to move') is incorrect.
It is mid-to-high register. Suitable for academic and professional writing, but can be used in personal, serious conversation. It sounds odd for trivial, everyday decisions.
The process of thinking deeply about something for a significant period, often with an element of consideration or potential intention.
Contemplating: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn.təm.pleɪ.tɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.təm.pleɪ.t̬ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[stand/sit] contemplating one's navel (humorous/pejorative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CONTEMPLATING = CON + TEMPLE + ATING. Imagine being IN a quiet TEMPLE, deeply thinking (ATING) about life.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS SEEING (contemplate a view); THINKING IS A JOURNEY (contemplating a path); DECISION-MAKING IS WEIGHING (contemplating the pros and cons).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'contemplating' most appropriately?