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Added 9 October 2026

contemplate

/ˈkɑn.təmˌpleɪt/ verb

In Latin: meditor, dispecto, inspicio First recorded: 1590 Wiktionary

verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about contemplate at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought.
contemplate one's navel
Consider as a possibility.
I contemplated leaving school and taking a full-time job
Think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes.
He is meditating in his study

Origin

First attested in the 1590s; borrowed from Latin contemplātus, the perfect active participle of contemplor (“to observe, survey, gaze (at), contemplate”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix). See also template.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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