Word
contemplation
Phoneticscon·tem·pla·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɑntəmˈpɫeɪʃən/
UK/kˌɒntɪmplˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of thinking deeply and quietly about something for a long time. You do this when you want to understand a difficult idea or make a big decision.
n. the action of looking thoughtfully at something for a long time, or the state of being involved in deep, reflective thought.
Examples
“He spent the afternoon in quiet contemplation.”
“After years of busy city life, she moved to the mountains for a life of prayer and contemplation.”
“The philosopher argued that true wisdom is not found in books alone, but through the sustained contemplation of one's own experiences and the natural world.”
Examples
simple
“He spent the afternoon in quiet contemplation.”
contextual
“After years of busy city life, she moved to the mountains for a life of prayer and contemplation.”
complex
“The philosopher argued that true wisdom is not found in books alone, but through the sustained contemplation of one's own experiences and the natural world.”
Usage
Often follows the prepositions 'in' or 'into' (e.g., 'lost in contemplation').
Real-World Examples
“For some, evensong is prayer, for others contemplation, inspiration or simply a moment of peace.” “And, though I’m sceptical about the availability or even desirability of explanations that dissolve all the world’s mysteries, there is exceptional value in the mere contemplation of such projects.” “Which brings me back to the Kumano Kodō in Japan, where contemplation is a key element of the traditional experience.” “Which brings me back to the Kumano Kodo in Japan, where contemplation is a key element of the traditional experience.” Etymology
From Middle English contemplacioun, from Old French contemplation, from Latin contemplatio.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/contemplation