Contemplation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌkän-təm-ˈplā-shən/ con·tem·pla·tion

Meaning & Definition of Contemplation

Contemplation (noun)

  1. concentration on spiritual things as a form of private devotion
  2. a state of mystical awareness of God's being
  3. an act of considering with attention, study

Contemplation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. long or deep thinking about spiritual matters

    "the decision to enter a monastery and to spend one's life in prayer and contemplation"

    similar: meditation
    related: brown study, daydreaming, introspection, muse, navel-gazing, reflection, retrospection, reverie, study, trance, woolgathering, cogitation, deliberation, musing, pondering, rumination

  2. the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence

    "in contemplation of their children's college expenses, they started saving early"

    similar: anticipation, expectance, expectancy, expectation, prospect
    related: alarm, apprehension, dread, foreboding, misgiving

Related Entry: Self-contemplation (noun)

Self-contemplation is a different word from Contemplation. The synonyms below are for self-contemplation, not for contemplation.

  1. examination of one's own thoughts and feelings

    "she doesn't seem to see the difference between a reasonable amount of self-contemplation and total self-absorption"

    similar: introspection, self-examination, self-observation, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, self-searching, soul-searching
    related: self-analysis, self-awareness, self-consciousness, self-recognition, introversion, self-absorption, self-centeredness, self-concern, self-involvement, self-actualization, self-discovery, self-exploration, self-fulfillment, self-realization, self-knowledge, self-revelation, self-concept, self-image, self-perception, contemplation, meditation, reflection, rumination

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Contemplation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Contemplation:

meditation, anticipation, expectance, expectancy, expectation, prospect

Related Words for Contemplation

brown study, daydreaming, introspection, muse, navel-gazing, reflection, retrospection, reverie, study, trance, woolgathering, cogitation, deliberation, musing, pondering, rumination, alarm, apprehension, dread, foreboding, misgiving

Origin & Etymology of Contemplation

Middle English contemplacioun "religious meditation, reflection, consideration," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French contemplaciun, borrowed from Latin contemplātiōn-, contemplātiō "act of looking at something, consideration" (Late Latin, "religious meditation"), from contemplāre, contemplārī "to look at fixedly, observe, notice, ponder" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action contemplate

First known use: 13th century

Words & Phrases Containing Contemplation

self-contemplation, in contemplation

Frequently Asked Questions about Contemplation

What does "Contemplation" mean?

"Contemplation" means concentration on spiritual things as a form of private devotion. As a noun, it is defined as: concentration on spiritual things as a form of private devotion. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Contemplation"?

Other words for "Contemplation" include meditation, anticipation, expectance, expectancy, expectation and prospect. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Contemplation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Contemplation"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Contemplation". Common alternatives include meditation, anticipation, expectance, expectancy, expectation and prospect.

How do you use "Contemplation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Contemplation" in a sentence: "the decision to enter a monastery and to spend one's life in prayer and contemplation"; "in contemplation of their children's college expenses, they started saving early".

Is "Contemplation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Contemplation" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Contemplation"?

"Contemplation" is pronounced /ˌkän-təm-ˈplā-shən/ and divided into syllables as con·tem·pla·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Contemplation"?

"Contemplation" comes from Middle English contemplacioun "religious meditation, reflection, consideration," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French contemplaciun, borrowed from Latin contemplātiōn-, contemplātiō "act of looking at something, consideration" (Late Latin, "religious meditation"), from contemplāre, contemplārī "to look at fixedly, observe, notice, ponder" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action contemplate. First known use: 13th century.

What is another word for "Contemplation" meaning "long or deep thinking about spiritual matters"?

When "Contemplation" (noun) means long or deep thinking about spiritual matters, synonyms include meditation.