contemplation
noun
con·tem·pla·tion
ˌkän-təm-ˈplā-shən 
-ˌtem-
1
a
: concentration on spiritual things as a form of private devotion
b
: a state of mystical awareness of God's being
2
: an act of considering with attention : study
made the decision after much contemplation
3
: the act of regarding steadily
was lost in quiet contemplation of the scene
4
: intention, expectation
"A considerable crime is in contemplation."—
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Examples of contemplation in a Sentence
contemplation of the meaning of life
He goes to the forest to spend time in contemplation of nature.
She was lost in quiet contemplation of the scene.
Recent Examples on the Web
The meanings of these images—which speak variously of environmental collapse, policy failure, ineluctable helplessness—do not invite their use as objects of contemplation.
—Teju Cole, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2025
However, this system is not meant to be a progress report, a checklist or a contemplation of failures, but a source of inspiration.
—Roxsy Lin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
This museum, the first of its kind, is devoted entirely to examining the art and culture of Sufism, offering a unique space where spiritual contemplation meets artistic expression.
—Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
Hail Mary represents a new phase in Godard’s development toward poetic abstraction and spiritual contemplation.
—Armond White, National Review, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contemplation 
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Teju Cole, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2025
However, this system is not meant to be a progress report, a checklist or a contemplation of failures, but a source of inspiration.
—Roxsy Lin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
This museum, the first of its kind, is devoted entirely to examining the art and culture of Sufism, offering a unique space where spiritual contemplation meets artistic expression.
—Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
Hail Mary represents a new phase in Godard’s development toward poetic abstraction and spiritual contemplation.
—Armond White, National Review, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contemplation
Dictionary Entries Near contemplation
Cite this Entry
“Contemplation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contemplation. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
contemplation
noun
con·tem·pla·tion
ˌkänt-əm-ˈplā-shən
ˌkän-ˌtem-
1
: the act of thinking about spiritual things : meditation
2
: the act of looking at or thinking about something steadily
3
: a looking ahead to some future event : anticipation
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