C1verb 2K

Contemplate

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪts/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪtɪd/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪtɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪt/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪts/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪd/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Contemplate

to think about whether you should do something, or how you should do something

In simple words: To think deeply about something.

Contemplate in a sentence

• She likes to contemplate the meaning of life during long walks in the park.
• He took a moment to contemplate the consequences before making a decision.
• The architect contemplated various designs before choosing the final blueprint.
• They contemplated moving to another country for better job opportunities.
• She sat quietly to contemplate the beautiful sunset over the mountains.

How to use Contemplate

Used in both formal and informal contexts. It’s appropriate when discussing serious topics or decisions. Avoid using it in lighthearted situations.

Grammar pattern

contemplate + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'con-templating' — imagine a person sitting in a temple, pondering life decisions.

Related words

Collocations with 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
• seriously
• even
• be prepared to
• be willing to
• cannot
• too awful to contemplate
• too horrible to contemplate

Synonyms for Contemplate

• consider, think about/of
• stare at

Opposites of Contemplate

• ignore
• disregard
• dismiss

Common mistakes with Contemplate

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Contemplate

What does Contemplate mean?

To think deeply about something.

What is the definition of Contemplate?

to think about whether you should do something, or how you should do something

How do you use Contemplate in a sentence?

She likes to contemplate the meaning of life during long walks in the park.

Can you give another example of Contemplate?

He took a moment to contemplate the consequences before making a decision.

What are synonyms for Contemplate?

Common alternatives include consider, think about/of, stare at.

What is the opposite of Contemplate?

Opposite meanings include ignore, disregard, dismiss.

What words go with Contemplate?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using Contemplate?

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.

How do you pronounce Contemplate?

US: /["/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪt/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪts/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪd/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪts/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪtɪd/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪtɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Contemplate?

Used in both formal and informal contexts. It’s appropriate when discussing serious topics or decisions. Avoid using it in lighthearted situations.

What CEFR level is Contemplate?

"Contemplate" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.