contemplation
noun
con·tem·pla·tion
ˌkän-təm-ˈplā-shən 
-ˌtem-
1
a
: concentration on spiritual things as a form of private devotion
b
: a state of mystical awareness of God's being
2
: an act of considering with attention : study
made the decision after much contemplation
3
: the act of regarding steadily
was lost in quiet contemplation of the scene
4
: intention, expectation
"A considerable crime is in contemplation."—
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Examples of contemplation in a Sentence
contemplation of the meaning of life
He goes to the forest to spend time in contemplation of nature.
She was lost in quiet contemplation of the scene.
Recent Examples on the Web
This sobering contemplation of radicalization takes a nuanced look at two equally strong, competing impulses: loyalty to family on one hand, and responsibility toward the greater social good on the other.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2025
An oasis right in the middle of Reed College, the lake is ringed by trails, including boardwalks through wetlands, and has numerous spots overlooking the water, which are perfect for a moment of quiet contemplation.
—Kale Williams, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
The space exudes a mood of contemplation and mystery.
—Denni Hu, WWD, 15 Jan. 2025
The contemplation isn’t a product of a down year by any means.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for contemplation 
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Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2025
An oasis right in the middle of Reed College, the lake is ringed by trails, including boardwalks through wetlands, and has numerous spots overlooking the water, which are perfect for a moment of quiet contemplation.
—Kale Williams, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025
The space exudes a mood of contemplation and mystery.
—Denni Hu, WWD, 15 Jan. 2025
The contemplation isn’t a product of a down year by any means.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for contemplation
Dictionary Entries Near contemplation
Cite this Entry
“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contemplation. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
contemplation
noun
con·tem·pla·tion
ˌkänt-əm-ˈplā-shən
ˌkän-ˌtem-
1
: the act of thinking about spiritual things : meditation
2
: the act of looking at or thinking about something steadily
3
: a looking ahead to some future event : anticipation
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