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

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

From Los Angeles Times

To battle depression, he meditated, exercised daily, cooked himself healthful local dishes, and there was “no partying, flute music, s— like that,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

I would like to be the type of person that’s like, “Wow, it’s 9 p.m. I’m going to read a book, stretch, meditate, wind down.”

From Los Angeles Times

Bratton says when he’s coming downstairs in the morning to have breakfast, meditate or do yoga, sometimes the piano or guitar will beckon.

From Los Angeles Times

Vows of silence tend to conjure images of monks meditating in the mountains.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ponder
• ruminate