contemplative

[kuhn-tem-pluh-tiv, kon-tuhm-pley-, -tem-]

adjective

1. given to or characterized by contemplation.

   a contemplative mind.

   Synonyms: meditative, reflective, thoughtful

noun

1. a person devoted to contemplation, as a monk.

contemplative

/ -təm-, kənˈtɛmplə-, ˈkɒntɛmˌpleɪtɪv /

adjective

1. denoting, concerned with, or inclined to contemplation; meditative

noun

1. a person dedicated to religious contemplation or to a way of life conducive to this

Other Word Forms

• contemplatively adverb
• contemplativeness noun
• noncontemplative adjective
• noncontemplatively adverb
• noncontemplativeness noun
• uncontemplative adjective
• uncontemplatively adverb
• uncontemplativeness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contemplative¹

First recorded in 1300–50; from Latin contemplātīvus, from contemplāt(us) “surveyed, observed” ( contemplate ) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English contemplatif, from Anglo-French, from Latin, as above

Example Sentences

In Butler’s portrait, which Gray took in the 1990s, the influential writer looks contemplatively off into the distance — whether near or far, one can’t be sure.

From Los Angeles Times

The elder Warner created an Instagram page dedicated to her son’s legacy and on Friday released a contemplative and lengthy statement saying the actor-musician “was at peace and more importantly, he did not suffer.”

From Los Angeles Times

This was not a mellow evening of gentle, contemplative acoustic keyboard sounds by any means.

From Salon

After a beat, he turns slightly more contemplative: “You never know.”

From Los Angeles Times

You may eventually appreciate that episode’s contemplative atmosphere and relative calm.

From Salon

Related Words

• introspective 
• meditative 
• pensive 
• reflective 
• thoughtful