Contemplate Meaning
Contemplate Definition & Usage
To think deeply about something, usually with a sense of serious consideration or reflection.
Examples
- "He sat on the bench, contemplating his next move in the chess game."
- "She needed some time alone to contemplate her future career path."
- "As I walked through the empty streets, I couldn't help but contemplate the meaning of life."
- "Before making any major decisions, it's important to contemplate all the possible outcomes."
- "They spent hours contemplating the design of the new building, ensuring every detail was perfect."
To consider something as a possibility or option, often with the idea of taking action later.
Examples
- "I have been contemplating moving to a different city for work."
- "Have you ever contemplated changing your career path entirely?"
- "They are contemplating whether to launch the product next year or delay it."
- "We’re contemplating buying a new car, but we’re still not sure if it’s the right time."
- "After much deliberation, she’s contemplating whether to invest in the new startup."
Cultural Context
The word 'contemplate' has its origins in the Latin word 'contemplari', meaning 'to observe or gaze at attentively'. Over time, it has evolved to include both the mental process of deep thought and the physical act of looking at something carefully. It is often associated with philosophical reflection, self-examination, or meditative practices.
The Choice
Story
The Choice
Lena sat in the quiet park, the world around her muffled by the thick blanket of autumn fog. The leaves, golden and brown, rustled gently as the breeze played through the trees. She had always loved this time of year—the stillness of it all. But today, her thoughts were anything but still. For weeks, she had been contemplating her future. The offer from the prestigious law firm had arrived last week, and it was everything she had worked for. But something felt off. What about her art? Could she leave behind her dream of becoming a painter? The question echoed in her mind, and no matter how much she tried to focus on the simplicity of the park, she couldn’t stop thinking about it. Every decision, every possibility, seemed to weigh heavily on her. The career that had been her goal for years now felt like an anchor, pulling her away from what she truly loved. As she stared at the horizon, Lena realized how long she had been sitting there, contemplating, not just her career, but her whole life. Was she willing to sacrifice her passion for success? Was it enough to just 'make it' in a world that didn’t understand her dreams? A familiar voice interrupted her train of thought. 'You've been sitting here for an hour,' Alex said with a smile, sitting beside her. 'What’s going on in that head of yours?' Lena sighed, her fingers brushing the edges of her phone as she tried to find the words. 'I’ve been contemplating my options,' she confessed, 'but every time I think I’ve made a decision, I get caught up in what-ifs.' 'You’re not alone in that,' Alex replied, 'but sometimes, the only way forward is to stop contemplating and start choosing.' Lena looked at Alex, the weight of the decision still heavy on her heart. But for the first time, she felt like the contemplation might lead to action. Maybe the next step was not to wait any longer. Maybe it was time to act. As she stood up and walked towards the street, the fog seemed a little less dense, the path ahead a little clearer. She had no answers yet, but perhaps that was part of the process—contemplation leading to action.
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