# contemplation

/ˌkɑntəmˈpɫeɪʃən/ (US) · /kˌɒntɪmplˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contemplation
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often follows the prepositions 'in' or 'into' (e.g., 'lost in contemplation').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.