C1verb2K

Contemplate

UK /["/ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪts/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪtɪd/","/ˈkɒntəmpleɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪt/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪts/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪd/","/ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

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

In simple words: To think deeply about something.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

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

Synonyms

  • consider, think about/of
  • stare at

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.