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

Derived Forms

• ˈcontemˌplatively, adverb
• ˈcontemˌplativeness, noun

Other Words From

• con·templa·tive·ly adverb
• con·templa·tive·ness noun
• noncon·templa·tive adjective
• noncon·templa·tive·ly adverb
• noncon·templa·tive·ness noun
• uncon·templa·tive adjective
• uncon·templa·tive·ly adverb
• uncon·templa·tive·ness 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

The song she co-wrote for “Twisters” is built on a simple, repeating, arpeggiated riff on its two main chords, generating a contemplative sound, evoking a long drive on a flat, open highway.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet Lalas, who comes across as thoughtful and contemplative, insists he’s not trolling.

From Los Angeles Times

Part of her contemplative nature, she says, stems from her mother speaking to her like an adult from an early age.

From Los Angeles Times

He was contemplative, nodding, when I shared what I learned from Sasser, and he gently added that one privilege many communities don’t have is the ability to turn it off.

From Los Angeles Times

“I love playing for people seated in a theater because I can get quiet and contemplative and deeper emotionally for a longer period,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• introspective
• meditative
• pensive
• reflective
• thoughtful