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Where does the word "contemplate" come from? It comes from Latin contemplari, and was adopted directly into English (1590s).
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Where does the word "contemplate" come from? It comes from Latin contemplari, and was adopted directly into English (1590s).
Contemplate’s story begins in Latin: contemplari meant “to observe.” 'com-' plus 'templum', an area marked out by augurs for observing omens. It reached English by 1590s as contemplate. 'temple' shares the root. Today, contemplate means to look at thoughtfully; to consider.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient contemplari "to observe", 'com-' plus 'templum', an area marked out by augurs for observing omens.
- Stage 2 · English · 1590s contemplate "to gaze at", 'temple' shares the root.