contemplative

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'contemplative' is correct and it is widely used in written English.
You can use it when discussing an individual's thoughtful mindset or actions, or when referring to an activity that requires mental reflection. For example: I found myself becoming increasingly contemplative as I took in the beauty of the sunset.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus, e.g., wisdom as a purgative virtue is defined as the soul's "not forming opinions in accordance with the body, but acting on its own", whereas wisdom as a contemplative virtue consists in the contemplation of the essences inherent in the Intellect.

SEP

This is a public space, but the contemplative style and atmosphere seem to instil a reverence in visitors, who automatically refrain from walking on the gravel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What is the point at which a museum, at some quiet, unmarked moment, stops being a questioning, contemplative space at the heart of its city's intellectual and imaginative life, and becomes an irrelevance?

The Guardian

Call us fanciful if you like, but as soon as we heard Baim's unsettlingly calm, contemplative music, we immediately thought of it as not so much quiet as lacking-in-noise.

The Guardian - Music

Mary is reserved, modest and contemplative.

The Guardian - Arts

The president was unusually relaxed and contemplative, buoyed by the recent economic numbers and looking towards his legacy as well as the mid-term elections and his wrangles with Congress.

The Economist

The gurus' religion is in some ways strikingly modern, prizing rationality, rejecting asceticism and insisting upon the equality of men and women.Its contemplative phase ended when Sikhs clashed with the Mughals, an Islamic dynasty that ruled most of India between the 16th and 18th centuries.

The Economist

The absorbing lead track—"You Will Become", written for his younger brothers and for Ms Irglova makes it clear that Mr Hansard prioritises poetry over accessibility; the song's contemplative refrain and raw vocals are perhaps too thoughtful for pop radio.But Mr Hansard is finally tasting success.

The Economist

But if policy fears are driving empirical views, then the whole contemplative process is out of whack.This makes it very hard to craft a message, on theoretical and policy grounds, that will win over those who still have doubts about global warming.

The Economist

But once bitten by the political bug, Mr Ibarretxe joined the party and rose swiftly, moving to the provincial assembly where he caught the eye of PNV leaders including his predecessor as regional premier, Jose Antonio Ardanza, another cool and contemplative politician much unlike Mr Arzalluz.

The Economist

More recently, shows such as "Mnemonic" (1999), inspired by a corpse preserved from the Ice Age, and "The Noise of Time" (2000), about Shostakovich, were quieter, even contemplative.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemplative" to describe environments or activities that encourage deep thought, not just the act of thinking itself.

Common error

Avoid using "contemplative" to describe everyday thinking. Reserve it for scenarios involving profound or spiritual reflection, not just casual consideration.

Linguistic Context

The word "contemplative" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of deep, reflective thought or a characteristic thereof. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples of its application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contemplative" is a versatile adjective used to describe states of deep thought and reflection. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and formal writing. While "contemplative" is widely accepted, it's important to reserve it for scenarios involving profound reflection, avoiding its use for casual thought. The related phrases, such as "thoughtful" or "meditative", offer nuances that might better suit specific contexts. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "contemplative" to add depth and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoughtful

Focuses more on the quality of thinking, emphasizing consideration for others or the situation.

reflective

Highlights the act of looking back on past events or thoughts.

meditative

Specifically relates to the practice of meditation or a state resembling it.

pensive

Suggests a deep, often melancholic, thoughtfulness.

introspective

Emphasizes examining one's own thoughts and feelings.

ruminative

Indicates a repetitive and often anxious form of thinking.

pondering

Focuses on the act of carefully considering something.

brooding

Implies a dark and troubled state of prolonged thought.

musing

Suggests a quiet and thoughtful reflection, often in a pleasant way.

deliberative

Focuses on the careful and thorough consideration of a decision.

FAQs

How can I use "contemplative" in a sentence?

You can use "contemplative" to describe someone who is thoughtful, or a place that encourages reflection. For example, "She was in a contemplative mood" or "The garden provided a contemplative space".

What's the difference between "contemplative" and "reflective"?

"Contemplative" suggests a state of deep thought, while "reflective" usually implies thinking about past events. "Contemplative" is more general.

What are some synonyms for "contemplative"?

Some synonyms for "contemplative" include "thoughtful", "meditative", "pensive", and "introspective".

Is it better to describe a person as "contemplative" or "thoughtful"?

Both "contemplative" and "thoughtful" are positive. "Contemplative" suggests a deeper, more prolonged state of thinking. Use "thoughtful" if you want to emphasize consideration for others.