Definition

1. Verb:
   • To think deeply and carefully about something: To focus one's mind on a subject, idea, or plan for a prolonged period, often in a quiet or serious manner.
   • To consider as a possibility or future course of action: To think about doing something, to intend or plan something.
   • To look at something thoughtfully for a long time: To observe or gaze at something with deep, reflective attention.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • She sat quietly to contemplate the meaning of the poem.
  • I am contemplating a career change next year.
  • He stood on the cliff, contemplating the vast ocean before him.

Advanced Usage

• "to contemplate one's navel": (idiomatic) To engage in self-absorbed or pointless introspection.
  • He spent the summer contemplating his navel instead of looking for a job.
• "to contemplate the unthinkable": To consider an idea or action that is very difficult or shocking to accept.
  • In the crisis, the leaders were forced to contemplate the unthinkable.

Variants and Related Words

• Contemplation (n): The act of thinking deeply about something; deep reflective thought.
  • She was lost in contemplation of the painting.
• Contemplative (adj): Involving, given to, or characterized by deep, serious thought.
  • He has a quiet and contemplative nature.

Synonyms

• Ponder: To think about something carefully.
• Meditate: To focus one's mind in silence for spiritual purposes or relaxation.
• Mull over: To think carefully about something over a period of time.
• Consider: To think about something carefully before making a decision.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Contemplate" is not typically used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. Its meaning is generally expressed directly.)

Related Idioms

• "To contemplate one's own mortality": To think seriously about the fact that one will die.
  • The serious illness caused him to contemplate his own mortality.

Verb

1. reflect deeply on a subject
   • I mulled over the events of the afternoon
   • philosophers have speculated on the question of God for thousands of years
   • The scientist must stop to observe and start to excogitate
2. think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes
   • He is meditating in his study
3. consider as a possibility
   • I contemplated leaving school and taking a full-time job
4. look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
   • contemplate one's navel