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
These powerful works, rich with layered paint, found materials, sand and other organic elements, invite contemplation on themes of faith, ritual, immigration, and the environment.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
For many people, these are places of peace, contemplation, and prayer.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
But the score is really about fostering a space of contemplation.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
After World War II, a group of religious leaders acquired the property as a place of rest and contemplation.
—Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contemplation
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Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
For many people, these are places of peace, contemplation, and prayer.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
But the score is really about fostering a space of contemplation.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
After World War II, a group of religious leaders acquired the property as a place of rest and contemplation.
—Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 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 16 Apr. 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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