Contemplating Definition & Meaning

Definition

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms contemplating American [kon-tuhm-pley-ting, -tem-] / ˈkɒn təmˌpleɪ tɪŋ, -tɛm- /

adjective

1. observing, studying, or thinking deeply about something.

   A stronger spirit and sense of purpose help shift the contemplating mind into a more action-orientated self.

noun

1. the act of observing, studying, or thinking deeply about something.

   After some more contemplating over the last few days, I now know what I'm going to do.

Other Word Forms

• contemplatingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of contemplating

First recorded in 1580–90; contemplat(e) ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. ) for the adjective; contemplat(e) ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. ) for the noun

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Here he is as arresting theorizing about the origins of “The Goon Show,” which he traces to the trauma of World War II, as he is contemplating the quality of Liza Minnelli’s eyelashes.

From The Wall Street Journal

The surge in oil prices has fanned fresh fears about another spike in inflation and warnings that central banks might have to hike interest rates again, having been contemplating cuts just last month.

From Barron's

Indeed, in recent weeks, judges in two federal cases have drawn a line that seems to have eluded many others contemplating AI.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsom is contemplating a run for president in 2028 and says he remains undecided about whether he will pursue the Oval Office.

From Los Angeles Times

Investors were contemplating the impact of the legislation being close to $5 billion, which could have raised liquidity concerns, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• attentive
• discerning
• discriminating
• intelligent
• mindful
• perceptive
• vigilant

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.