contemplative
Lost in thought
Contemplative describes a disposition toward deep, sustained thought—especially quiet reflection on profound matters.
A contemplative mood is introspective and unhurried.
In religious contexts, contemplative life emphasizes meditation and prayer over active service: contemplative orders of monks and nuns.
As a noun, a contemplative is someone devoted to such reflection.
Sustained single-minded attention
- ponderingThinking deeply about something
- deliberationCareful weighing of choices
- reflectionReturned light or thought
- absorptionProcess of taking in
engrossment · immersion · rumination · cogitation · study · consideration · musing · brooding
Focused attention practice
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- zenMeditative calm
- mantraRepeated focus phrase
- stillnessComplete lack of motion
centering · breathing · zazen · vipassana · transcendental · samadhi · sitting · awareness
Undisturbed mental quietude
- tranquilityUndisturbed peacefulness
- calmFree from agitation
- quietudeState of calm stillness
- stillnessComplete lack of motion
repose · solitude · silence · restful · gentle · soothing · undisturbed · placid
Sheltered from outside contact
- monkCloistered religious devotee
- nunHebrew alphabet's fourteenth
- hermitPerson choosing total seclusion
- abbeyMonastic house of worship
monastery · convent · vows · ascetic · cell · cloister · vespers · retreat
Examining one's own mind
- soul-searchingProbing one's innermost feelings
- self-examinationScrutiny of one's thoughts
- introspectionObserving one's own mind
- self-awarenessInsight into one's psyche
self-questioning · self-discovery · self-inquiry · self-scrutiny · inward-looking · journaling
Uncomplaining endurer of hardship
- existentialRelating to existence itself
- metaphysicalBeyond the material realm
- dialecticalRelating to logical debate
- ethicalConforming to moral principles
phenomenological · rationalist · questioning · speculative · analytical · discursive
concentration
Sustained single-minded attention
- ponderingThinking deeply about something
- deliberationCareful weighing of choices
- reflectionReturned light or thought
absorption · engrossment · immersion · rumination · cogitation · study · consideration · musing · brooding · preoccupation
meditation
Focused attention practice
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- zenMeditative calm
- mantraRepeated focus phrase
stillness · centering · breathing · zazen · vipassana · transcendental · samadhi · sitting · awareness
serenity
Undisturbed mental quietude
- tranquilityUndisturbed peacefulness
- calmFree from agitation
- quietudeState of calm stillness
stillness · repose · solitude · silence · restful · gentle · soothing · undisturbed · placid · unhurried
cloistered
Sheltered from outside contact
- monkCloistered religious devotee
- nunHebrew alphabet's fourteenth
- hermitPerson choosing total seclusion
abbey · monastery · convent · vows · ascetic · cell · cloister · vespers · retreat · novice
self-reflection
Examining one's own mind
- soul-searchingProbing one's innermost feelings
- self-examinationScrutiny of one's thoughts
- introspectionObserving one's own mind
self-awareness · self-questioning · self-discovery · self-inquiry · self-scrutiny · inward-looking · journaling
stoic
Uncomplaining endurer of hardship
- existentialRelating to existence itself
- metaphysicalBeyond the material realm
- dialecticalRelating to logical debate
ethical · phenomenological · rationalist · questioning · speculative · analytical · discursive
- contemplativeintrospective, reflective, pensive, meditative, mindful
- moodshappy, sad, angry, anxious, excited
- thought-provokingstimulating, fascinating, intriguing, engaging, compelling
- thoughtfulconsiderate, mindful, attentive, reflective, pensive
- monasticismabbeys, abbey, abbots, abbot, cloister
- monasticsmonk, nun, abbot, nuns, abbess
contemplativeunreflective
Not given to self-examination
unthinking · thoughtless · mindless · brainless · scatterbrained
- silent contemplation
- quiet contemplation
- contemplative lifeLife of prayer and reflection
- contemplative prayerSilent, receptive spiritual practice
- religious contemplationMeditative focus on the divine
- contemplative retreatSecluded place for reflection
contemplation, contemplating, contemplatively, contemplations, contemplatives, contemplativeness