French word

contempler

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃tɑ̃ple/

Meaning

  • verbgaze at

Example

Je contemple le coucher du soleil.

I gaze at the sunset.

Illustration for contempler (gaze at)

More examples

Il contemple son reflet dans le miroir.

He gazes at his reflection in the mirror.

Core concept

Someone quietly taking in a sight for a long time with focused attention and feeling.

Common phrases

  • contempler le coucher du soleil

    gaze at the sunset

  • contempler le paysage

    gaze at the landscape

  • contempler son reflet

    gaze at one's reflection

Similar words

regarder: To look at something attentively.
voir: To see something and recognize its presence or appearance.
admirer: To admire something for its beauty or value.
fixer: To stare at something continuously.

Definition in French

Regarder attentivement et longuement quelque chose, souvent avec admiration ou émotion.

Word origin

The French verb developed from Latin contemplari through earlier French usage, retaining the idea of attentive observation.

Usage tips

  • Contempler takes a direct object, as in contempler le coucher du soleil, without the preposition à.

Other meanings

  • admireverb

Opposites

  • détourner le regardavert one's gazeverb
  • ignorerdisregardverb

Word lists with this word