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

Known as the Dragon Slayer, he’s often shown meditating, praying, waxing philosophical, and pontificating on nobility, integrity and honor.

From Los Angeles Times

Do what gives you energy, Bryant says, whether it’s meditating, journaling or increasing the cadence of your therapy sessions.

From MarketWatch

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

From Los Angeles Times

She added that before every show she meditates, has an extensive vocal warm-up and "runs sections of the show".

From BBC

Over the past 15 years, Stevanovic has been hiking icy slopes, meditating in deep snow and plunging into frozen lakes as part of a routine he believes offers health benefits and mental clarity.

From Barron's

Related Words

• ponder
• ruminate