contemplation
MediumFormal, Academic, Literary
Definition
Meaning
The action of thinking deeply about something; thoughtful observation or consideration.
A state of deep reflective thought; the act of regarding something thoughtfully, often with a spiritual or philosophical dimension.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a quiet, sustained, and serious mental focus, sometimes on abstract, spiritual, or profound subjects. Not used for ordinary, quick thinking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences.
Connotations
Slightly more common in formal/spiritual British contexts (e.g., Church of England, academia). In the US, strong association with philosophy, mindfulness, and self-help discourse.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties; more prevalent in written than spoken language.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
contemplation of + nounin contemplationunder contemplationVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in contemplation of (something)”
- “be lost in contemplation”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The merger is under serious contemplation.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, theology, literature. 'Plato's theory requires deep contemplation of ideal forms.'
Everyday
Limited, mostly in descriptions of thoughtful states. 'He sat in quiet contemplation of the sunset.'
Technical
Used in psychology (mindfulness research) and religious studies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She contemplated the problem for hours.
- He is contemplating a move to Scotland.
American English
- They contemplated the proposal carefully.
- She's contemplating going back to school.
adverb
British English
- He gazed contemplatively out of the window.
- She nodded contemplatively.
American English
- He stroked his chin contemplatively.
- She listened contemplatively to the music.
adjective
British English
- He had a contemplative look on his face.
- The garden was a contemplative space.
American English
- She was in a contemplative mood after the film.
- The retreat offered a contemplative atmosphere.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The painting made me think.
- She sat in quiet contemplation for a long time.
- After much contemplation, he decided to accept the job offer abroad.
- Her work explores the philosophical contemplation of mortality and the human condition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CON-TEMPLATE: you create a mental TEMPLE (a quiet space) in your mind for deep thinking.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS SEEING (to contemplate is to 'look at' mentally), THINKING IS A JOURNEY (lost in contemplation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'размышление' (generic thinking) – 'contemplation' is deeper and quieter. Not synonymous with 'планирование' (planning).
Common Mistakes
- Using it for quick decisions. Incorrect: 'After a quick contemplation, I chose the pizza.' Correct: 'After a moment's thought...'
Practice
Quiz
Which context best suits the word 'contemplation'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They overlap. Meditation often implies a structured practice, sometimes with a spiritual goal. Contemplation is broader, referring to any deep, reflective thought.
It's quite formal. In everyday talk, people more often say 'I was thinking about...' or 'I was reflecting on...'.
'Consideration' is more about weighing options or facts, often leading to a decision. 'Contemplation' is more about deep, prolonged thought, not necessarily aimed at a practical conclusion.
Yes, the verb is 'to contemplate'. It means to think deeply about something or to consider as a possibility.
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