Emily Dickinson Lexicon

contemplate (contemplating, -ed), v. [L. contemplār-, survey, observe, behold, consider < L. contemplum, an open place for observation, marked by the augur with his staff; see temple, n.] (webplay: consider, eyes, mind, state).

1. Ponder; consider; think about; reflect upon; turn over in one's mind.
2. Think about; consider whether or not to do something; weigh the benefits and disadvantages of.

contemplation (-s), n. [OFr < L. contemplāre; see contemplate, v.] (webplay: eyes).

1. Thorough thinking; careful consideration; meditation; calm study; continued attention of the mind to a particular subject.
2. Topic to ponder; matter for meditation.

contempt (-s), n. [L. contempt-us, scorn; see contemn.]

Disdain; repugnance; strong aversion; supercilious hatred; holding or treating as of little account; highly negative mental attitude towards something because it is considered of little worth.

contend (-ing), v. [L. contend-ere, stretch, strain, strive; see tend, v.]

Compete; struggle; fight; engage in opposition or conflict; rival against another for a desirable object.

content, adj. [L. content-us.] (webplay: book, clearer, degree, holds, easy, express, food, geometry, mind, motion, obscure, present, quantity, quiet, wealth).

1. Satisfied; fulfilled; at peace with what one has, though it may be less than initially desired.
2. Willing; ready; happy; disposed; desirous, though perhaps at some personal cost.
3. Satisfied; happy; pleased; glad.

content (-s), n. [see content, adj.] (webplay: contained, inclined, included, mind, quiet, rest, room, soul, wealth, wise).

1. Satisfaction; pleasure; peace; moderate degree of happiness.
2. Composition; that which is contained; the things held or included in a certain group.
3. Those who are happy, satisfied, pleased, glad.

content (-eth), v. [Fr. contente-r; see content, adj.]

Make happy; satisfy; please.

contented (-er), verbal adj. [see content, adj.] (webplay: condition, limits, rest, satisfied, soul, stop, want).

Pleased; satisfied; not complaining or demanding more; willing to put up with the current situation though it may not be ideal.

contentment (-'s), n. [Fr. contentment; see content, adj.] (webplay: gain, secur'd).

Calm happiness; satisfaction of mind; inner peace; mental and emotional rest.

contest (-ed), v. [Fr. conteste-r < It. contestare, strive, debate < L. contestārī, take or call to witness.]

Fight over; compete for; contend for in rivalry; dispute; have a disagreement concerning ownership or authority.