Spanish word

contemplación

Pronunciation

IPA/kontemplaˈθjon/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncontemplation

Example

Me gusta la contemplación del atardecer.

I like the contemplation of the sunset.

Illustration for contemplación (contemplation)

More examples

Después del trabajo me tomo un tiempo para la contemplación.

After work I take some time for contemplation.

Core concept

A person calmly watching a sunset and taking it in.

Common phrases

  • tomarse un tiempo para la contemplación

    take some time for contemplation

  • estar absorto en la contemplación

    be absorbed in reflection

Similar words

apreciación: Recognition and valuing of something's qualities or worth.
admiración: Feeling of impressed respect or wonder toward an admirable person or thing.
observación: Careful watching that notices fine details or small movements.
vista: The area or scene that is visible from a particular spot.

Definition in Spanish

Acto de contemplar algo con calma para admirarlo o pensar sobre ello.

Word origin

From medieval Latin contemplatio, originally a devout gaze or meditation on God and now broadened to mean calm observation and admiration.

Usage tips

  • A somewhat literary word in Spanish, so speakers often use mirar, observar, or disfrutar in casual speech and reserve contemplación for art, nature, or formal descriptions.

Other meanings

  • reflectionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • contemplarappreciateverb
  • contemplativoreflectiveadjective

Word lists with this word