Cool MateContemplate vs Now think
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Contemplate
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Now think
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Contemplate
| Contemplate | Now think | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪts/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪtɪd/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪt/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪts/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪd/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //naʊ θɪŋk//🇺🇸 //naʊ θɪŋk// |
| Meaning | To think deeply about something. | A way to ask someone to consider something. |
| Example | She likes to contemplate the meaning of life during long walks in the park. | Now think about the consequences of your decision. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | seriously, even, be prepared to, be willing to, cannot, too awful to contemplate, too horrible to contemplate, seriously, even, be prepared to, be willing to, cannot, too awful to contemplate, too horrible to contemplate, seriously, even, be prepared to, be willing to, cannot, too awful to contemplate, too horrible to contemplate | now think critically, now think logically, now think clearly |
| Antonyms | ignore, disregard, dismiss | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'compliment' or 'contemplate' due to similar sounds., Using intransitively (e.g., 'I contemplate' without specifying what)., Overusing in informal contexts where simpler words like 'think' may be better. | Misusing in formal writing; it's more conversational., Confusing with 'now' as just a time indicator. |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts. It’s appropriate when discussing serious topics or decisions. Avoid using it in lighthearted situations. | Use 'now think' to prompt someone to reflect or consider actions. It's appropriate in discussions but may feel direct in casual contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Contemplate vs Now think
What's the difference between Contemplate and Now think?
Contemplate: To think deeply about something. Now think: A way to ask someone to consider something.
Which is more common: Contemplate and Now think?
Contemplate is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Contemplate: She likes to contemplate the meaning of life during long walks in the park. Now think: Now think about the consequences of your decision.
Can I use Contemplate and Now think interchangeably?
Not always. Contemplate and Now think are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.