Dictionary entry

Contemplate

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Con″tem‐plate (?; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Contemplated (# or #); p. pr. & vb. n.Contemplating.] [L. contemplatus, p. p. of contemplari to contemplate; con- + templum a space for observation marked out by the augur. See Temple.] 1. To look at on all sides or in all its bearings; to view or consider with continued attention; to regard with deliberate care; to meditate on; to study.

To love, at least contemplate and admire,

What I see excellent.

Milton.

We thus dilate

Our spirits to the size of that they contemplate.

Byron.

2. To consider or have in view, as contingent or probable; to look forward to; to purpose; to intend.

There remain some particulars to complete the information contemplated by those resolutions.

A. Hamilton.

If a treaty contains any stipulations which contemplate a state of future war.

Kent.

Syn. — To view; behold; study; ponder; muse; meditate on; reflect on; consider; intend; design; plan; propose; purpose. See Meditate.