contemplation

UK: /ˌkɒntəmˈpleɪʃ^ən/

US: /ˌkɑntəmˈpleɪʃən/

US: (kon′təm plā′shən, -tem-)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

con•tem•pla•tion /ˌkɑntəmˈpleɪʃən/   n. [uncountable]

1. the act of contemplating:
   The child resumed her contemplation of the squirrels outside her window.
2. the act of thinking deeply or fully about something:
   After a great deal of contemplation, he announced his decision.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

con•tem•pla•tion  (kon′təm plā′shən, -tem-), n. 

1. the act of contemplating;
   thoughtful observation.
2. full or deep consideration;
   reflection:
   religious contemplation.
3. purpose or intention.
4. prospect or expectation.

• Latin, as above
• Anglo-French
• Latin contemplātiōn- (stem of contemplātiō); see contemplate, -ion; replacing Middle English contemplaci(o)un
• 1175–1225

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

contemplation / ˌkɒntɛmˈpleɪʃən -təm-/ noun

1. thoughtful or long consideration or observation
2. spiritual meditation, esp (in Christian religious practice) concentration of the mind and soul upon God
   Compare meditation
3. purpose or intention