Spanish word

contemplar

Pronunciation

IPA/kontemˈplaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbgaze at

Example

Me gusta contemplar el paisaje al atardecer.

I like to gaze at the scenery at dusk.

Illustration for contemplar (gaze at)

More examples

Antes de aceptar, hay que contemplar la posibilidad.

Before accepting, one must consider the possibility.

Core concept

A person calmly watching a sunset.

Common phrases

  • contemplar la posibilidad

    consider the possibility

  • contemplar el cielo estrellado

    gaze at the starry sky

  • contemplar el futuro

    contemplate the future

Similar words

ver: Perceives visually without deliberate attention.
mirar: Directs the gaze toward something with conscious intent.
observar: Looks closely and inspects details with careful attention.
admirar: Feels admiration or wonder at a scene's beauty.

Definition in Spanish

Fijar la mirada en algo durante un tiempo, prestando atención para disfrutarlo o entenderlo.

Word origin

From Latin contemplari (con- + templum 'place for observing'), originally meaning to observe within a dedicated space and later to fix the gaze to find beauty or meaning.

Usage tips

  • In conversation contemplar usually signals sustained visual admiration, but in formal texts (for example la ley contempla) it can mean 'to provide for' or 'consider'.

Other meanings

  • considerverb
  • admireverb

Opposites

  • ignorarignoreverb
  • despreciardespiseverb

Related words

Word lists with this word