contemplation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemplation" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of thinking deeply or considering something thoughtfully. Example: "After much contemplation, she decided to change her career path." Alternative expressions include "reflection" and "meditation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shaded by rows of oak and poplar trees, they form not only the place of peaceful interment for hundreds, but one of contemplation and reflection for anyone seeking solace and solitude.

The Guardian

With just over 25 minutes' playing time each in the game, there was limited contemplation.

The Guardian - Sport

Sure enough, the actress was already lost in contemplation of her entrance on a golden bier drawn by Nubian slaves.

The Guardian

"The secretary of state for justice [Kenneth Clarke] has made it quite clear that this is not something which is in the UK's contemplation.

The Guardian

The pavilion is the centrepiece of man's intervention in that environment, so the best of them respect that responsibility and reward contemplation with much to consider.

The Guardian - Sport

I feel that the shortage of permanent, ubiquitous, full-on fretting reveals a dismal lack of contemplation in modern Britain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

EVEN in the holy month of Ramadan, Dubai does not indulge in too much soulful contemplation.

The Economist

The second is that the ebullient clashes that they bring will be especially fun for Democrats.This second conclusion is reinforced by the contemplation of Steve Forbes, one of several presidential hopefuls at this month's conservative conference.

The Economist

In the relationship that resulted it was never quite clear who was the mentor, who the disciple, despite the convenient fiction that Dickinson needed a "Preceptor .The poet was right in supposing Higginson was "occupied"; hers was a life of contemplation, his one of action.

The Economist

A PAIR of quotations from Junichiro Tanizaki, a Japanese writer, on the loveliness of laquerware almost leads one to expect a book on the contemplation of beauty.

The Economist

In Phnom Penh on the 19th of Kislev last year, a dozen Jews celebrated the 214th "Festival of Redemption" at the home of Bentzion and Mashie Butman, the shluchim (emissaries) of Chabad in Cambodia.Chabad is a Hebrew acronym for wisdom, understanding and knowledge, attributes of the Divine upon which Rabbi Shneur Zalman constructed his Hasidic system of contemplation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "lost in contemplation" to describe a character or subject who is completely absorbed in their thoughts

Common error

Avoid using "contemplation" for a quick glance or casual look. The word implies a sustained, deep mental engagement. If the action is brief, consider using "observation" or "viewing" instead

Linguistic Context

As an abstract noun, "contemplation" denotes the act of thinking deeply or observing something with sustained attention. According to Ludwig, it often functions as the head of a noun phrase or as the object of prepositions like "in" or "for". Its primary grammatical role is to identify a state of intellectual or spiritual focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Reference

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Social Media

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contemplation" is a highly versatile and correct English noun used to describe a state of deep, sustained thought. Ludwig AI data shows that it is exceptionally common in high-quality journalism, particularly when discussing spirituality, philosophy, or serious decision-making. Unlike simpler alternatives like "thinking", "contemplation" carries a connotation of stillness and profound focus. It is most effectively used in formal or neutral writing to characterize a deliberate mental or visual engagement with a subject. Writers should be mindful of its intensity, choosing it when they wish to emphasize the depth of the intellectual process rather than a mere passing thought.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reflection

Suggests a broader process of looking back on past events or serious thought

meditation

Often carries a more spiritual or intentional mental exercise connotation

rumination

Implies a repetitive or obsessive way of thinking about something

introspection

Refers specifically to the examination of one's own thoughts and feelings

musing

Conveys a more casual, dreamy, or leisurely style of thinking

deliberation

Focuses on the process of weighing options before making a decision

pensiveness

Describes the state of being deep in thought, often with a hint of sadness

cogitation

A more formal and academic term for the act of thinking

thought

The most general and common term for mental activity

pondering

Suggests a slow and careful consideration of a specific problem

FAQs

How do I use "contemplation" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a state of mind, such as in "He sat by the lake in quiet contemplation" or "The proposal is currently under contemplation by the board".

What is the difference between "contemplation" and "reflection"?

While both involve deep thought, "contemplation" often implies a focus on the present moment or an abstract idea, whereas "reflection" usually involves looking back at past experiences to gain insight.

Is "contemplation" a formal word?

Yes, it is generally considered a neutral to formal term. It is frequently found in academic, literary, and high-quality journalistic contexts like The Economist.

What can I say instead of "contemplation"?

Depending on your specific meaning, you could use "meditation" for spiritual focus, "rumination" for repetitive thought, or "deliberation" for decision-making.