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 DoyleExamples 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
Each image can provoke conversation, contemplation and gratitude.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
The group committed to a lifestyle of poverty, along with a mix of contemplation and pastoral service.
—Patricia Mazzei, New York Times, 13 May 2025
The order, based on the teachings of St. Augustine, brings together the disciplines of contemplation and pastoral ministry.
—Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Most of what’s billed as art is actually brand activations designed for Instagram, not contemplation.
—Tiana Denicola, Variety, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
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News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
The group committed to a lifestyle of poverty, along with a mix of contemplation and pastoral service.
—Patricia Mazzei, New York Times, 13 May 2025
The order, based on the teachings of St. Augustine, brings together the disciplines of contemplation and pastoral ministry.
—Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Most of what’s billed as art is actually brand activations designed for Instagram, not contemplation.
—Tiana Denicola, Variety, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
Cite this Entry
“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contemplation. Accessed 22 May. 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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