Contemplate vs Takes it under advisement

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Contemplate

Top 2,000 (common)C1verb

Takes it under advisement

FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: Takes it under advisementMost common: Contemplate
 ContemplateTakes it under advisement
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪts/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪtɪd/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪt/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪts/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪd/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //teɪks ɪt ˈʌndə ɛɪdˈvaɪz.mənt//🇺🇸 //teɪks ɪt ˈʌndər ədˈvaɪzmənt//
MeaningTo think deeply about something.To think about something before making a decision.
ExampleShe likes to contemplate the meaning of life during long walks in the park.The board takes it under advisement before making a final decision.
RegisterNeutralFormal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsseriously, 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 contemplatetake it under advisement, submit for advisement, put it under advisement
Antonymsignore, disregard, dismiss-
Common mistakesConfused 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.Used in informal settings where a simpler phrase is better., Confused with 'take it into consideration', which is slightly different., Misunderstanding the phrase as indicating immediate action rather than contemplation.
Usage notesUsed in both formal and informal contexts. It’s appropriate when discussing serious topics or decisions. Avoid using it in lighthearted situations.Often used in formal discussions or meetings. It's more polite than directly rejecting an idea. Not suitable for casual conversations.

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Takes it under advisement

Frequently asked questions: Contemplate vs Takes it under advisement

What's the difference between Contemplate and Takes it under advisement?

Contemplate: To think deeply about something. Takes it under advisement: To think about something before making a decision.

Which is more formal: Contemplate and Takes it under advisement?

Takes it under advisement is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Contemplate and Takes it under advisement?

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. Takes it under advisement: The board takes it under advisement before making a final decision.

Can I use Contemplate and Takes it under advisement interchangeably?

Not always. Contemplate and Takes it under advisement 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.