contemplative
UK[kənˈtemplətɪv]US[ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪv]
adj
thinking quietly and seriously about something
adj
involving or given to deep, serious thought or meditation
Morpheme Breakdown
con
templ
ative
con
with
templ
a space for observation, a temple
ative
of or related to, tending to
Etymology
the word 'contemplative' originates from the latin verb 'contemplari', which itself is built from the prefix 'con-' (intensifying 'with') and the base 'templum'. in ancient roman practice, a 'templum' was a sacred space marked out by a priest for observing omens in the sky. thus, 'contemplari' literally meant 'to observe or mark out a space for augury', an act requiring focused, undisturbed attention. over time, this concrete act of ritual observation evolved into the abstract sense of deep, reflective observation of one's thoughts or spiritual matters. the suffix '-ative' was added to form the adjective, describing a person or state characterized by this profound, meditative thinking.
Analysis
Structure: con + templ + ative
con- (latin origin, prefix meaning 'with' or 'together'); templ (latin origin, root from 'templum' meaning 'a space for observation, a temple'); -ative (latin origin, adjective-forming suffix meaning 'of or related to, tending to')
Examples
she leads a quiet, contemplative life in the countryside.
his contemplative mood was broken by the sudden noise.
the book's contemplative tone encourages readers to reflect on their own lives.