I. kənˈtempləd.]iv, -ət]iv, also ]əv; ˈkäntəmˌplād.]iv, -(ˌ)tem-, -āt]iv also ]əv adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French contemplatif, from Latin contemplativus, from contemplatus + -ivus -ive
1. : marked by or accompanied by contemplation : addicted to contemplation : suggesting or suited to contemplation : meditative
2. usu kənˈtemplə- : practicing or devoted to meditation (as religious meditation and prayer)
the contemplative life
merely a contemplative thinker, withdrawn from active life — Theodore Spencer
3. obsolete
a. : theoretical
b. : theorizing
• con·tem·pla·tive·ly -ə̇vlē, -li adverb
• con·tem·pla·tiveness -ivnə̇s, -ēv- also -əv- noun -es
II. kənˈtem- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French contemplatif, from contemplatif, adjective
: one who practices contemplation