Definition of: contemplate

(kon′təm·plāt) v. ·plat·ed, ·plat·ing v.t.
1. To look at attentively; gaze at.
2. To consider thoughtfully; ponder.
3. To intend or plan.
4. To treat of as contingent or possible: Secession was not contemplated in the Constitution.
—v.i.
5. To meditate; muse. [<L contemplatus, pp. of contemplari <com- together + templum temple; with ref. to the art of divination]
—con·tem·pla·ble (kən·tem′plə·bəl) adjective
—con′tem·pla′tor noun