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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Contemplate: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：think deeply (contemplate)

contemplate 🔊

/ˈkɒn.təm.pleɪt/

To think deeply about something, especially for a long time.

Person contemplating deeply by a window, illustrating the meaning of deep thought.

think deeply 🔊

➕

/θɪŋk ˈdiːpli/

To engage in prolonged, serious, and focused thought about a subject, often involving consideration of future possibilities or complex issues.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'contemplari' (to observe, consider), from 'con-' (completely) + 'templum' (a space for observation).

💡 Mnemonic

CON-template: To CONcentrate on forming a mental TEMPLATE or plan.

📖 Example

She needed a quiet moment to contemplate whether to accept the job offer in another city. 🔊 She required a period of silence to think deeply about accepting the job offer in a different city.

🔗 Collocations

contemplate a decision – to think carefully about a choice before making it

contemplate the future – to think seriously about what might happen in times to come

contemplate retirement – to consider the possibility of stopping work permanently

🔄 Synonyms

ponder (v.) – To think about something carefully, especially before making a decision.

meditate (v.) – To focus one's mind in silence for spiritual purposes or to achieve calm; to think deeply.

mull over (v.) – To think about something deeply and at length, often repeatedly.

🚫 Antonyms

dismiss (v.) – To decide not to think about or consider something.

ignore (v.) – To refuse to take notice of or acknowledge something.

🌱 Derivatives

contemplation (n.) – The action of looking thoughtfully at something for a long time; deep reflective thought.

contemplative (adj.) – Involving or given to deep, serious thought or observation.

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Roman religious practice, 'contemplari' meant to mark out a sacred space ('templum') for observing omens. This evolved into the philosophical sense of deep, focused observation of the mind or universe, prominent in Stoic and later Christian meditation traditions.

Meaning 2：gaze thoughtfully (contemplate)

contemplate 🔊

/ˈkɒn.təm.pleɪt/

To look at something for a long time, lost in thought, often because it's beautiful or fascinating.

Person gazing thoughtfully at a lake, showing the meaning of contemplate as steady observation.

gaze thoughtfully 🔊

➕

/ɡeɪz ˈθɔːtfəli/

To look at something steadily and attentively, often because it is impressive, beautiful, or thought-provoking, leading to a state of reflection.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

We sat on the cliff, silently contemplating the vast ocean and the spectacular sunset. 🔊 We remained seated on the cliff edge, quietly gazing thoughtfully at the enormous sea and the magnificent sunset.

🔗 Collocations

contemplate a view – to look at a landscape or scene thoughtfully and for an extended period

contemplate a work of art – to observe a painting or sculpture deeply, absorbing its details and meaning

contemplate the stars – to look up at the night sky and think about the universe

🔄 Synonyms

gaze at (v.) – To look steadily and intently at something, especially with admiration or wonder.

survey (v.) – To look carefully and thoroughly at something, typically to form an opinion.

admire (v.) – To regard with respect, pleasure, or warm approval.

🚫 Antonyms

glance at (v.) – To take a brief or hurried look at something.

overlook (v.) – To fail to notice or consider something; to have a view from above.