contemplative

1 of 2

adjective

con·​tem·​pla·​tive kən-ˈtem-plə-tiv How to pronounce contemplative (audio)
ˈkän-təm-ˌplā-,
-ˌtem- How to pronounce contemplative (audio)
: marked by or given to contemplation
specifically : of or relating to a religious order devoted to prayer and penance
a contemplative order of nuns
contemplatively adverb
contemplativeness noun

contemplative

2 of 2

noun

: a person who practices contemplation

Examples of contemplative in a Sentence

Adjective He has lived a quiet, contemplative life. She joined a contemplative order of nuns.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Leonardo da Vinci was a contemplative genius, reportedly staring at The Last Supper for hours before adding a single brushstroke and walking away. Joseph Jebelli, CNBC, 23 July 2025 The result is a rich, contemplative expression of Bourbon County—one that rewards patience and reflects a legacy built slowly, barrel-by-barrel. Emily Price, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
Another great pour that is equally handy as an aperitif or as a contemplative, sipping whiskey. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 If Pride & Prejudice is a fizzy glass of champagne, Sense & Sensibility feels like a cosy cup of tea—its mood is more serious, sedate, and contemplative. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplative

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English contemplatif "devoted to or concerned with spiritual meditation," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin contemplātīvus, going back to Latin, "theoretical, speculative," from contemplātus, past participle of contemplāre, contemplārī "to look at fixedly, observe, notice, ponder" + -īvus -ive — more at contemplate

Noun

Middle English contemplatyfe "person devoted to spiritual meditation," borrowed from Medieval Latin contemplātīvus, noun derivative of contemplātīvus "devoted to or concerned with spiritual meditation" — more at contemplative entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contemplative was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contemplative. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

contemplative

adjective
con·​tem·​pla·​tive
kən-ˈtem-plət-iv;
ˈkänt-əm-ˌplāt-,
ˈkän-ˌtem-
: involving or devoted to contemplation : meditative
the contemplative life
contemplatively adverb
contemplativeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on contemplative

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