profound contemplation

USAGE SUMMARY

'profound contemplation' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is used to refer to a thoughtful or reflective state in which a person is studying a situation deeply and with great concentration. For example: After hours of profound contemplation, I finally reached a decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Wound together with "Toyland," it became a poignant, even profound contemplation of the very process by which the artistic legacy of one generation is magically passed to the next.

The New York Times - Arts

To read Penny on art is to enter into a profound contemplation of pictorial space – and also into the complex relationship between what is depicted and how this is done.

The Guardian - Arts

Confronting his wife's question "What have we been so busy doing that we forgot to have the baby?," he winds himself through contortions meant to suggest profound contemplation but more like the agonies of a large, awkward bird.

The New York Times

And his work flows between profound contemplation and the lighthearted joy of being alive.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Abraham Verghese's first two books, "My Own Country" (1994) and "The Tennis Partner" (1999), were intelligent, sensitive examinations of health and disease, communication and loneliness; profound contemplations of the difficulty of life and the certainty of its loss.

The Economist

As the book tumbles towards its conclusion, with still so many life-changing writers unquoted and profound contemplations unarticulated, Potter's footnotes become longer, as if anxious that something might be left out.

The Guardian - Books

The anonymous medieval author of the Christian mystical work The Cloud of Unknowing similarly expressed the view that in profound and prolonged contemplation a soul dries up the "root and ground" of the sin that is always there, even after one's confession and however busy one is in holy things: "therefore, whoever would work at becoming a contemplative must first cleanse his [or her] conscience".

Wikipedia

Samadhi is a state of profound and utterly absorptive contemplation of the Absolute that is undisturbed by desire, anger, or any other ego-generated thought or emotion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Aquinas was a man of profound humility and prayerful contemplation, but he was also a pioneering genius whose writings constitute the apotheosis of medieval thought and the embryonic beginnings of modernity.

The Guardian - Opinion

For both of those authors, the gaze was a profound moment of passionate contemplation, spiritual communication and two-way recognition: an exchange, to use one of Marmion's favorite words, in which love and knowledge passed in both directions between God and humanity.

The New York Times - Arts

Museums were once temples for the contemplation of the profound.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound contemplation" to describe a period of intense and meaningful thought, often leading to significant insights or decisions. It is most effective when the subject of contemplation is also clear.

Common error

Avoid using "profound contemplation" to describe everyday thinking. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving deep, meaningful, and often difficult subjects. Instead, consider using "careful thought" or "serious consideration" in less weighty contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound contemplation" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "profound" intensifies the noun "contemplation". It describes a state of deep and serious thought. Examples on Ludwig illustrate its use in contexts involving art, personal decisions, and philosophical themes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound contemplation" is a grammatically correct and meaningful phrase used to describe deep, intensive thought. While Ludwig identifies its usage as rare, it appears primarily in News & Media contexts. The phrase conveys a sense of seriousness and significance, making it suitable for formal writing and contexts where the depth of thought is important. When using "profound contemplation", be mindful of the context and avoid applying it to trivial situations. Alternatives like "deep reflection" or "serious consideration" may be more appropriate in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contemplative examination

Highlights the thoughtful and detailed scrutiny of something.

deep reflection

Emphasizes the depth of thought, focusing on internal mental processes.

intense meditation

Highlights the focused and prolonged nature of the contemplation, often with spiritual connotations.

serious consideration

Focuses on the gravity and importance given to the subject being contemplated.

thoughtful deliberation

Suggests a careful and reasoned approach to the process of thinking.

earnest reflection

Implies sincerity and a genuine desire to understand or resolve something.

introspective analysis

Focuses on examining one's own conscious thoughts and feelings.

soul-searching

Refers to a deep and honest examination of one's own feelings, motives, or beliefs.

philosophical inquiry

Highlights the intellectual and abstract nature of the contemplation.

studious assessment

Focuses on the meticulous and analytical aspects of the contemplation.

FAQs

How can I use "profound contemplation" in a sentence?

Use "profound contemplation" to describe a state of deep, thoughtful reflection. For example, "After a period of profound contemplation, she decided to change her career path."

What are some alternatives to "profound contemplation"?

Alternatives include "deep reflection", "intense meditation", or "serious consideration", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "profound contemplation" formal or informal?

"Profound contemplation" is generally considered a more formal phrase, suitable for academic, literary, or serious contexts. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "thinking deeply" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "profound contemplation" from simply "thinking"?

"Profound contemplation" implies a more intense, sustained, and meaningful level of thought than simply "thinking". It suggests a deeper engagement with the subject and a greater potential for insight or understanding.