contemplate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to consider as a possibility

   I contemplated leaving school and taking a full-time job

2. 2
   verb

   To look at on all sides or in all its aspects; to view or consider with continued attention; to regard with deliberate care; to meditate on; to study, ponder, or consider.

   To love, at least contemplate and admire, / What I see excellent.

3. 3
   verb

   To consider as a possibility.

   I contemplated doing the project myself, but it would have taken too long.

4. 4
   verb

   to reflect deeply on a subject

5. 5
   verb

   to think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes

6. 6
   verb

   to look at thoughtfully

Etymology

First attested in the 1590s; borrowed from Latin contemplātus, the perfect active participle of contemplor (“to observe, survey, gaze (at), contemplate”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix). See also template.