🇬🇧🇨🇳 contemplate - 沉思 : English Lesson

Meaning of "contemplate" ("沉思"), detailed definition, and a short video lesson below.

To contemplate means to stop and really think hard about something, like you’re a tiny detective in your own brain, quietly studying an idea, a choice, or a problem for a long time before deciding what to do.

Watch and listen to this English flashcard to understand the word in more detail, with an easy example sentence.

At 2 a.m., I lay in bed and contemplate every embarrassing thing I’ve ever done since preschool.

Before eating the last cookie, I had to contemplate whether I loved my sibling enough to share it.

I had to contemplate which was scarier: the horror movie or my mom seeing my report card.

I like to contemplate why adults say “we’ll see,” when we all know it really means “no.”

The teacher asked us to contemplate our future careers, so I pictured myself as a professional nap tester.

She held the old letter and began to contemplate the words, then set it down to contemplate the rain against the window. She walked into the street to contemplate the city lights, sat on a bench to contemplate a small photograph, and chose to contemplate one clear step forward. She smiled and walked home.

Learn the meaning of contemplate with our educational learning resources. Download a colorful poster, print engaging games, and enjoy an easy story where the word contemplate appears in context. 👍

This word is at the C1 level, which means it’s part of advanced English. It’s used in sophisticated conversations, professional settings, and academic discussions. Words at this level help you express yourself fluently and precisely in nuanced situations.

Expanding your English vocabulary is one of the best ways to improve your pronunciation, spelling, and confidence in English. Watch the video above to memorize the word, understand its meaning, and see example sentences in action. Discover related words to grow your vocabulary naturally. Add words to your playlist for stress-free, effective learning—anytime, anywhere! Watch, learn, repeat.