English Explanatory Dictionary

contemplative

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Inclined to contemplate; introspective and thoughtful; meditative.
  2. Pertaining to a religious contemplative, or a contemplative religious orders, especially the Roman Catholic varieties.
  3. Relating to, or having the power of, contemplation.
  4. In a phase of mental activity in which one begins to recognize and acknowledge the maladaptiveness of someone's behavior (such as one's own, or that of a family member or friend); usually with reference to substance use.
noun
  1. Someone who has dedicated themselves to religious or philosophical contemplation.

Pronunciation

/kənˈtɛmplətɪv/ /ˈkɒntəmˌpleɪtɪv/ /ˈkɒntəmplətɪv/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-contemplative.wav /ˈkɑntəmˌpleɪtɪv/

Word forms

contemplative more contemplative most contemplative contemplatives

Etymology

From Middle English contemplatyve, contemplatyf, from Old French contemplatif, from Latin contemplātīvus.

Synonyms

attentive calculant cogitabund contemplative deliberative intelligent introspective meditative museful musing pensive reflective speculative studious thinkful thinking thoughty thoughtful wistful

Related words

contemplate temperate

Derived words

contemplatively contemplativeness noncontemplative uncontemplative
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