contemplation meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

contemplation

noun

UK /ˌkɒntəmˈpleɪʃən/ · US /ˌkɑntəmˈpleɪʃən/

Etymology From Middle English contemplacioun, from Old French contemplation, from Latin contemplatio. By surface analysis, contemplate + -ion.

The act of contemplating; being highly concentrated in thought; musing.

Near-synonyms: meditation, cogitation; see also Thesaurus:attention, Thesaurus:consideration
Now, 80 percent is accessible — quickly filling with exhibition spaces, stylish restaurants and cafes, bookstores, and highly profitable gift stores, as well as quiet walkways, shady stands of trees and odd nooks that invite contemplation of bygone dynasties.2019 August 3, Ian Johnson, “The Forbidden City Opens Wide as China Projects New Pride in Its Past”, in New York Times:

1 more example

Mr. Pickwick congratulated the fortunate owner of the irresistible garments on their acquisition; and Mr. Peter Magnus remained a few moments apparently absorbed in contemplation.1836 March – 1837 October, Charles Dickens, chapter 22, in The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, London: Chapman and Hall, […], published 1837, →OCLC:

Lifestyle, Religion Holy meditation.

Near-synonyms: devotions, prayer
Whilst he roamed about with his flocks, through ice and snow, communion with his God in prayer, and quiet contemplation, were his portion.1851, The Annual Monitor for 1851: A Sketch of the Life and Labours of Patrick, The Apostle of the Irish:

The act of looking forward to a future event.

The state of being considered or planned.

1 more example

He concludes: "This letter is written in contemplation of legal proceedings, and is a pre-action protocol letter within the meaning of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998."2020 December 2, Barry Doe, “National Rail Timetable changes and reductions”, in Rail, page 73:

Derived terms: contemplationism, contemplationist, recontemplation
Related terms: contemplate, contemplational, contemplative, precontemplation