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contemplate

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪt/ · UK /ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/

Forms: contemplating, contemplated

contemplate means: To think about possibly doing something.

verb

CONSIDER DOINGC1

To think about possibly doing something.

  • We are contemplating a move.
  • He contemplated leaving his job last year.
  • Would you ever contemplate living abroad?

How to use it: contemplate doing something (They are contemplating buying a smaller house.); contemplate something (She is contemplating a change of career.)

Similar words: consider, think about

Common phrases: contemplate doing something, contemplate a change, contemplate moving abroad

THINK CAREFULLYC1

To spend time thinking carefully about something.

  • He sat quietly, contemplating life.
  • She contemplated the meaning of his words.
  • Have you contemplated how this might affect your family?

How to use it: contemplate something (She sat alone to contemplate her future.); contemplate how/why… (We contemplated why the plan had failed.)

Similar words: consider, reflect on, ponder

Common phrases: contemplate the future, contemplate something quietly, contemplate the consequences, contemplate the meaning

Questions about contemplate

What does contemplate mean?

To think about possibly doing something.

What is contemplate in other languages?

Türkçe: yapmayı düşünmek · Español: considerar · Français: envisager · Deutsch: erwägen · Italiano: prendere in considerazione · 日本語: 検討する

How do you pronounce contemplate?

In American English /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪt/; in British English /ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/.

How do you use contemplate in a sentence?

We are contemplating a move. He contemplated leaving his job last year.

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contemplate in other languages

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