meditation on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meditation on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing contemplation or deep thought about a particular subject or theme. Example: "Her latest book is a meditation on the complexities of human relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A meditation on owls.

The New York Times

And there is much meditation on etiquette.

The New Yorker

The series is a meditation on performance.

The New Yorker

Psalm ("Meditation on the Twenty-fifth Psalm").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Complex meditation on family, sisterhood, immigrating & secrets".

The New York Times

Meditation on the channeling of grief?

The New York Times

It feels like a meditation on death.

The New York Times - Arts

It's an epic meditation on intangibility.

The Guardian - Music

I miss "Mad Men," that nostalgic meditation on nostalgia.

The New Yorker

"My book is a meditation on how to live.

The New York Times

Not for her a meditation on the new-old world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meditation on" when you want to convey a sense of deep, thoughtful reflection on a particular subject, especially when the topic is complex or abstract.

Common error

Avoid using "meditation on" when simpler phrases like "thinking about" or "considering" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meditation on" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adjectival modifier to describe a piece of work (book, film, etc.) that thoughtfully explores a particular theme. Ludwig examples show it introducing in-depth explorations of topics like family, grief, or death.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meditation on" is a grammatically correct and widely used prepositional phrase that signals a deep and thoughtful exploration of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s prevalent in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. While effective for conveying complex ideas, it's best to avoid overuse in simple contexts. Alternatives such as "reflection on" or "contemplation of" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Understanding these nuances and context-appropriate usage, enhances clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reflection upon

Uses "reflection" instead of "meditation" and "upon" as a more formal alternative to "on".

contemplation of

Replaces "meditation" with "contemplation", implying a more prolonged and focused thought process.

consideration of

Emphasizes a more deliberate and thoughtful examination of a topic.

pondering over

Suggests a deep and thoughtful consideration, often with an element of uncertainty.

deliberation regarding

Implies a formal and careful discussion or consideration.

rumination about

Conveys a deep and often prolonged thought process, sometimes with a sense of anxiety or concern.

thinking about

A simpler and more general way to express consideration of a topic.

analysis of

Focuses on a detailed examination of the components or structure of something.

exploration of

Suggests a more open-ended and investigative approach to understanding a subject.

study of

Implies a formal and structured investigation of a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "meditation on" in a sentence?

You can use "meditation on" to introduce a topic that is being deeply and thoughtfully considered. For example, "Her new book is a "meditation on" the nature of good and evil."

What are some alternatives to "meditation on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "reflection on", "contemplation of", or "consideration of".

Is "meditation on" formal or informal?

"Meditation on" leans towards the formal side, suggesting a serious and thoughtful approach to the subject. Simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal settings.

What's the difference between "meditation on" and "reflection on"?

While both imply thoughtful consideration, ""meditation on"" often suggests a deeper, more prolonged and perhaps spiritual consideration than "reflection on", which can be more casual.