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

Related Words

• introspective
• meditative
• pensive
• reflective
• thoughtful