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| Date: | 1500-1600 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Origin: | , past participle of contemplari, from com- ( COM-) + templum ( TEMPLE) |
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con‧tem‧plate
1 [transitive] to think about something that you might do in the future [= consider]: He had even contemplated suicide.
He had even contemplated suicide.2 [transitive] to accept the possibility that something is true
too dreadful/horrifying etc to contemplate The thought that she might be dead was too terrible to contemplate.
The thought that she might be dead was too terrible to contemplate.3 [intransitive and transitive] to think about something seriously for a period of time [= consider]: Jack went on vacation to contemplate his future.
Jack went on vacation to contemplate his future. contemplate your navel (=think so much about your own life that you do not notice other important things - used humorously)
4 [transitive] to look at someone or something for a period of time in a way that shows you are thinking : He contemplated her with a faint smile.
He contemplated her with a faint smile.