Contemplation
/ˌkɑːntəmˈpleɪʃən/
nounB2
Definition
Contemplation is the act of thinking about something very carefully and slowly. It often means spending time quietly to understand or consider ideas, feelings, or problems. People use contemplation to find answers or to understand things better.
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⚡ See It in Action
Deep and serious thinking about something
- •After much contemplation, she decided to change her job.
- •His contemplation of the problem helped him find a good solution.
- •Meditation involves contemplation of your thoughts and feelings.
The act of looking at something carefully and thoughtfully
- •The artist’s contemplation of the landscape inspired her painting.
- •He sat in contemplation, watching the sunset slowly disappear.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "contemplation" like "thinking," but much slower and deeper—like sitting quietly and focusing your mind on one idea for a long time
- ✓Picture someone sitting alone by a lake, looking at the water and thinking deeply about their life or an important decision
- ✓It's the feeling when you stop all busy activities and just focus your mind quietly on one thought or question
- ✓Sounds like "con-TEM-PLAY-shun" → imagine playing with ideas in your mind carefully and slowly, like a gentle game
- ✓Think of a monk or a wise person who spends hours in quiet reflection to understand life better
- ✓NOT like "quick thought" (fast and short), contemplation is slow and calm, with full attention
- ✓NOT like "daydream" (random, unfocused thinking), contemplation is focused and serious
- ✓NOT like "discussion" (talking with others), contemplation happens inside your own mind quietly
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Reflection: deep thinking about something, often about your own feelings or actions (Use when thinking about personal experiences or lessons)
- •Meditation: quiet and focused thinking, often for relaxation or spiritual reasons (Use when thinking is calm and peaceful, sometimes with eyes closed)
- •Consideration: careful thought before making a decision (Use when thinking about options or choices)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "con-" (with, together) + "templ-" (from Latin "templum," meaning a space for looking or observing) + "-ation" (a noun ending showing action or process)
- •Etymology: From Latin "contemplatio," meaning the act of looking at or observing carefully
- •Historical development: Originally meant watching or observing something carefully, now used for deep thinking or reflection
- •Modern usage: Used to describe serious, quiet, and long thinking about ideas, feelings, or problems
- •Key insight: The word connects the idea of looking carefully with deep thinking inside the mind
💭 Reflect & Connect
•When do you find it helpful to use contemplation instead of quick thinking?
•How can contemplation change the way you make decisions or understand your feelings?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.People often enter contemplation when they need to ___ an important choice carefully.
2.Contemplation usually happens in a quiet place where there are no ___ to distract you.
3.Unlike quick decisions, contemplation requires ___ time and focus.
4.The artist’s contemplation of the scene helped her ___ new ideas for her painting.
5.During contemplation, people do not talk, they only ___ deeply in their minds.
6.You might feel calm and peaceful during contemplation, unlike during ___ or rushed thinking.
7.Contemplation helps you understand things better because you look at them from many ___ before deciding.