meditate

American  

[med-i-teyt] / ˈmɛd ɪˌteɪt /

verb (used without object)

meditated, meditating

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.

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verb (used with object)

meditated, meditating

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

   to meditate revenge.

   Synonyms:

   contrive, devise, plan, contemplate

meditate British  

/ 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)

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Other Word Forms

• meditatingly adverb
• meditative adjective
• meditatively adverb
• meditativeness noun
• meditator noun
• unmeditated adjective
• unmeditating adjective

Etymology

Origin of meditate

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

Example Sentences

His practice can be intentionally repetitive, reflecting the monotony of cancer treatment, and inspires viewers to meditate with the movement.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

He trekked to China to meditate with monks at a Shaolin temple.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 2025

There is so much to unpack, dissect, consider and meditate upon.

From Salon • Nov. 11, 2025

A Rembrandt painting is beginning a national tour, with viewers urged to meditate on the work to boost their mental health.

From BBC • Sep. 12, 2025

But if you meditate in front of your locker, someone might steal your sandals while your eyes are closed.

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

• ponder
• ruminate