meditate

[ med-i-teyt ]

verb (used without object)

, med·i·tat·ed, med·i·tat·ing.

1. to engage in thought or contemplation; reflect.

   Synonyms: think, study, cogitate, ruminate, muse, ponder

2. to engage in Transcendental Meditation, devout religious contemplation, or quiescent spiritual introspection.

verb (used with object)

, med·i·tat·ed, med·i·tat·ing.

1. to consider as something to be done or effected; intend; purpose:

   to meditate revenge.

   Synonyms: contrive, devise, plan, contemplate

meditate

/ ˈmɛdɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. intr; foll by on or upon to think about something deeply
2. intr to reflect deeply on spiritual matters, esp as a religious act

   I make space to meditate every day

3. tr to plan, consider, or think of doing (something)

Derived Forms

• ˈmeditativeness, noun
• ˈmeditative, adjective
• ˈmediˌtator, noun
• ˈmeditatively, adverb

Other Words From

• medi·tating·ly adverb
• medi·tator noun
• un·medi·tated adjective
• un·medi·tating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of meditate¹

First recorded in 1550–60; from Latin meditātus “contemplated, planned,” past participle of meditārī “to meditate, contemplate, plan”

Word History and Origins

Origin of meditate¹

C16: from Latin meditārī to reflect upon

Example Sentences

“Advent provides an on-ramp for people to meditate and remember what we are trying to connect to at this time of year, and that’s such an important part to rekindle in Evangelicalism.”

From Los Angeles Times

At Pleasant Valley State Prison at the time, Erik Menendez said he spent his time reading, writing, meditating and trying to help other inmates there.

From Los Angeles Times

In one set of tests, seven participants wore the patch during daily activities such as cycling, raising an arm or leg, performing mental arithmetic, meditating, eating meals and consuming energy drinks.

From Science Daily

Paul, meanwhile, was smiling before sitting down and appearing to meditate.

From BBC

He fends off anxiety by meditating, exercising and obsessively cleaning his house.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ponder
• ruminate