What is contemplative? Pronunciation and usage in English

contemplative means . Learn how to pronounce and use contemplative through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of contemplative

contemplativeadjective

/kənˈtemplətɪv//kənˈtemplətɪv/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "contemplative." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown of the sounds and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Sounds:

  • con-: Like "con" in "connect"
  • tempt-: Like "tempt" as in "temptation"
  • la-: Like "la" as in "lavender"
  • tive: Like "tiv" as in "active"

2. The Pronunciation (Most Common):

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

kənˌtem.plə.ˈtɪv

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • kən-: (as above) - Emphasis is on the “n”
  • temp-: (as above) – This is a stressed syllable.
  • la-: (as above)
  • tive: (as above) - This is the final stressed syllable. It gets a slightly longer sound.

3. A More Detailed Breakdown (with emphasis):

  • kən (like "con" in connect) – slightly emphasized
  • temp (like "tempt") – strongly emphasized
  • pla (like "la" in lavender) – moderately emphasized
  • tiv (like "tiv" in active) – strongly emphasized

4. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The stress is on the last syllable, “tive.” This is key to getting the word right.
  • “T” sound: The "t" in "tive" is pronounced clearly – don’t slurp it up!
  • Linking Sounds: The "la" in “contemplative” links smoothly with the “tive” sound.

5. Resources for Hearing it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/contemplative/ - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word. (Highly recommended!)
  • Google Translate: You can type "contemplative" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear its pronunciation.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, would you like me to:

  • Record an example pronunciation for you to listen to?
  • Focus on a specific part of the word that you find difficult?

Usage and examples with the word contemplative in English

Let's break down how to use the word "contemplative" in English. It's a beautiful word with a specific nuance, so it's important to understand when it's appropriate.

1. Meaning:

"Contemplative" describes someone or something that is deeply thoughtful; engaged in quiet meditation or reflection. It suggests a state of being absorbed in considering something profound, often emotionally or spiritually.

2. How to Use It – Different Contexts:

  • Describing a Person: This is the most common usage. You use it to describe a person's personality or behavior.

    • Example: "She was a contemplative woman, often found sitting by the river, lost in thought."
    • Example: "He had a contemplative air about him, as if he were always pondering the mysteries of the universe."
    • Example: "The contemplative monk spent hours in silent meditation."

  • Describing an Activity: You can use it to describe an activity involving deep thought.

    • Example: "The vast, empty landscape encouraged contemplative reflection."
    • Example: “Her contemplative journaling helped her sort through her emotions.”
    • Example: "The museum’s collection was designed to inspire contemplative viewing."

  • Describing a Quality of Something (e.g., art, music, writing): It can apply to artistic works that evoke a sense of stillness and profound thought.

    • Example: "The composer’s contemplative melody filled the concert hall."
    • Example: "The painting had a profoundly contemplative mood."
    • Example: "The novel’s contemplative prose explored themes of loss and redemption."

3. Key Nuances & Related Words:

  • Not just thinking: "Contemplative" goes beyond simple thinking. It implies a willingness to look deeply, to consider difficult questions, and often to feel emotions connected to the thought process.

  • Synonyms (but with slightly different shades of meaning):

    • Reflective: Similar, but perhaps less intense.
    • Pensive: Suggests sadness or worry alongside contemplation.
    • Meditative: Specifically related to meditation practices.
    • Thoughtful: A more general term for considering something.
    • Introspective: Focused on examining one's own thoughts and feelings.

  • Antonyms (words that mean the opposite):

    • Thoughtless
    • Impulsive
    • Distracted

4. Examples in Sentences (showing variety):

  • “The old lighthouse keeper was a contemplative figure, watching the waves with a silent sadness.”
  • “The architect aimed to create a contemplative garden, a place for quiet escape.”
  • “Her contemplative nature made her a wonderful listener and confidante.”
  • “The contemplative silence in the temple was broken only by the distant chime of a bell.”

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a description of a character, a reflection on a piece of art, etc.)
  • Do you have a specific sentence in mind where you want to use "contemplative"?

Synonyms for the word contemplative

Practice with vocabulary contemplative

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After hours of intense debate, the philosopher entered a deeply ____________ state, pondering the ethical implications of the new technology.
  2. The art installation, with its muted lighting and quiet corners, encouraged a ____________ mood among visitors, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences.
  3. His ____________ nature meant he often observed the world around him with great attention to detail, noticing subtle changes others missed.
  4. She spent the afternoon in a ____________ silence, trying to clear her mind and focus on her breathing exercises.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following best describes a person in a state of deep and serious thought, often on abstract or spiritual matters? a) volatile b) impulsive c) contemplative d) enthusiastic

  2. A quiet space designed to encourage deep thought and introspection among its occupants could be characterized as: a) bustling b) chaotic c) serene d) contemplative e) tranquil

  3. The architect designed a special garden area, intended to be a ____________ spot where residents could go to meditate or simply ponder life's big questions. a) boisterous b) neglected c) solitary d) bustling e) contemplative

  4. To thoroughly investigate a complex problem, one must adopt a(n) ____________ approach, examining all details with precision. a) superficial b) haphazard c) meticulous d) analytical e) cursory

  5. Following the client meeting, the team spent an hour ____________ on the feedback received, weighing its implications for the project timeline. a) disregarding b) deliberating c) ignoring d) pondering e) dismissing

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: He spent a long time reflecting deeply on the meaning of the ancient text. Rewrite (using "contemplative" or related word forms): _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  2. Original: The artist's studio had an atmosphere that invited quiet thought and personal reflection. Rewrite (using "contemplative" or related word forms): _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  3. Original: Her thoughtful consideration of global climate change impacts led to innovative policy suggestions. Rewrite (DO NOT use "contemplative"): _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. contemplative
  2. contemplative
  3. observant
  4. meditative

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) contemplative
  2. c) serene, d) contemplative, e) tranquil
  3. c) solitary, e) contemplative
  4. c) meticulous, d) analytical
  5. b) deliberating, d) pondering

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He was in a contemplative mood as he pondered the meaning of the ancient text.
  2. The atmosphere of the artist's studio was deeply contemplative, fostering quiet thought and personal reflection.
  3. Her introspective analysis of global climate change impacts led to innovative policy suggestions.

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