contemplation

[ kon-tuh m-pley-shuh n, -tem- ]
/ ˌkɒn təmˈpleɪ ʃən, -tɛm- /

noun

the act of contemplating; thoughtful observation.
full or deep consideration; reflection: religious contemplation.
purpose or intention.
prospect or expectation.

Origin of contemplation

1175–1225; < Latin contemplātiōn- (stem of contemplātiō); see contemplate, -ion; replacing Middle English contemplaci(o)un < Anglo-French < Latin, as above

OTHER WORDS FROM contemplation

pre·con·tem·pla·tion, noun re·con·tem·pla·tion, noun

Example sentences from the Web for contemplation

British Dictionary definitions for contemplation

contemplation
/ (ˌkɒntɛmˈpleɪʃən, -təm-) /

noun

thoughtful or long consideration or observation
spiritual meditation esp (in Christian religious practice) concentration of the mind and soul upon God Compare meditation
purpose or intention