contemplative: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal and literary. Common in academic, religious, and reflective writing; less common in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “contemplative” mean?
Characterized by quiet, serious thought or reflection.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Characterized by quiet, serious thought or reflection; devoted to religious or spiritual meditation.
Inclined to or marked by deep thinking about life, existence, or a particular subject. Can refer to a person, a state, an activity, or a type of religious life (e.g., a contemplative order of monks).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with philosophy, spirituality, and monastic traditions.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English in religious contexts due to historical monastic traditions, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “contemplative” in a Sentence
be ~have a ~ naturelead a ~ lifein a ~ moodof a ~ turn of mindVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contemplative” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He stared contemplatively out at the rainy garden.
- She sipped her tea, listening contemplatively.
American English
- He gazed contemplatively at the Grand Canyon.
- She nodded contemplatively, considering the proposal.
adjective
British English
- After the news, he fell into a long, contemplative silence.
- She joined a contemplative religious order in North Yorkshire.
American English
- He has a more contemplative personality than his outgoing brother.
- The retreat was designed for contemplative prayer and study.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in leadership/coaching contexts: "The CEO adopted a more contemplative approach to long-term strategy."
Academic
Common in philosophy, psychology, religious studies, and literature: "The poet's contemplative verses explore themes of mortality."
Everyday
Used to describe a person's quiet, thoughtful demeanor or a peaceful atmosphere: "We spent a contemplative afternoon by the lake."
Technical
Specific use in theology to describe religious orders or practices focused on prayer rather than active work (e.g., contemplative vs. active religious life).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contemplative”
- Misspelling as 'contemplative' (wrong) or 'contemplitive' (wrong).
- Using it to mean 'temporary' (confusion with 'contemporary').
- Overusing in informal contexts where 'thoughtful' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Thoughtful' is broader and can mean considerate of others or simply engaged in thought. 'Contemplative' specifically implies deep, prolonged, and often serene reflection, often on abstract or spiritual matters.
Yes. It can describe moods (a contemplative silence), activities (contemplative prayer), places (a contemplative space), or lifestyles (a contemplative life).
Generally yes, conveying depth, peace, and wisdom. However, in contexts valuing immediate action, it could be framed negatively as passive or indecisive.
Yes, 'contemplative' can also be a noun, typically referring to a person devoted to religious contemplation, like a monk or nun in a contemplative order.
Characterized by quiet, serious thought or reflection.
Contemplative is usually formal and literary. common in academic, religious, and reflective writing; less common in casual conversation. in register.
Contemplative: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈtemplətɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈtemplətɪv/ or /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “of a contemplative turn of mind”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TEMPLE where people go for quiet, deep THOUGHT. CON-TEMPLE-ATIVE people have a 'temple for thought' in their minds.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS SEEING/DEEP LOOKING (from Latin 'contemplari' - to observe, consider).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be described as 'contemplative'?