meditative
UK[ˈmed.ɪ.tə.tɪv]US[ˈmed.ə.teɪ.t̬ɪv]
adj
involving or absorbed in deep thought, especially about spiritual matters.
adj
inducing a state of calm, deep thought.
Morpheme Breakdown
meditat
ive
meditat
to think deeply
ive
adjective-forming suffix
Etymology
the word 'meditative' is built upon the latin verb 'meditari', which means to think deeply, contemplate, or practice. this root itself is thought to be related to a proto-indo-european base meaning "to measure" or "to consider," suggesting a process of careful mental weighing. the suffix '-ive', of latin origin, is added to form an adjective, indicating a quality or tendency. thus, the literal construction "having the nature of contemplating" evolved into the modern english meaning, describing a state of deep, often calm, reflection or something that induces such a state.
Analysis
Structure: meditat (to think deeply) + ive (adjective-forming suffix)
meditat (from latin 'meditari', meaning to think over, contemplate, practice); ive (from latin suffix '-ivus', forming adjectives meaning "tending to" or "having the nature of").
Examples
she sat in a meditative pose by the window, gazing at the distant hills.
he found the repetitive task of gardening to be surprisingly meditative.
the music had a slow, meditative quality that helped clear his mind.