v. con·tem·plat·ed, con·tem·plat·ing, con·tem·plates v.tr. 1. To look at attentively and thoughtfully: "He stood at the hall closet, contemplating his hats" (E. Annie Proulx). 2. To consider carefully and at length; meditate on or ponder: contemplated the problem from all sides; contemplated the mysteries of the atom. 3. To have in mind as an intention or possibility: contemplate marriage; forced by the accident to contemplate retirement. v.intr. To ponder; meditate. [Latin contemplārī, contemplāt- : com-, intensive pref.; see COM- + templum, space for observing auguries; see tem- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] contem·pla′tor n. |
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