contempler

to contemplate, to gaze at

verb kohn-tahm-PLEH Rare

Origin: Latin contemplari (to observe carefully)

Also means

to consider, to think about

Usage Note

contempler implies a long, thoughtful gaze — it carries more stillness and wonder than regarder. Contempler un paysage evokes someone quietly taking in a landscape. The noun la contemplation is used in both religious (meditative prayer) and secular (aesthetic appreciation) contexts.

Examples

"Elle contemple la mer en silence."

Natural Translation

She gazes at the sea in silence.

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