contemplar

to gaze at

to consider

contemplar(kohn-tehm-plahr)

transitive verb

1. (to observe)

a. to gaze at

Fuimos al monte para contemplar las estrellas.

We went to the mountains to gaze at the stars.

b. to contemplate

Se pasaba horas contemplando la vista.

She would spend hours contemplating the view.

c. to study

Marta contempló la cara de su amiga e intentó interpretar su expresión.

Marta studied her friend's face and tried to interpret her expression.

d.

no direct translation

Desde la casa de Eduardo se contempla un paisaje precioso.

There is a wonderful view from Eduardo's house.

Desde lo alto del rascacielos se contempla toda la ciudad.

You can see the whole city from the top of the skyscraper.

2. (to examine)

a. to consider

La empresa contempló la posibilidad de salir a bolsa.

The company considered the possibility of going public.

b. to contemplate

A veces, es necesario contemplar las cosas importantes de la vida.

Sometimes, we need to contemplate the important things in life.

c. to look at

Debemos contemplar su obra desde su contexto histórico.

We must look at his work in its historical context.

3. (to allow for)

a. to make provision for

Esta nueva ley contempla el traslado de más poderes a cuerpos supranacionales.

This new law makes provision for the transfer of more powers to supranational bodies.

b. to provide for

El proyecto de ley contempla la creación de un servicio nacional de salud.

The bill provides for the creation of a national health service.

c. to envisage

El plan contempla reducir los gastos en un 25%.

The plan envisages cutting spending by 25%.

4. (to pamper)

(Spain)

a. to indulge

No deberías contemplarlo tanto cuando se porta mal.

You shouldn't indulge him so much when he misbehaves.

b. to spoil

Contemplas demasiado al gato.

You're spoiling that cat.

intransitive verb

5. (religion)

a. to meditate

Es un ermitaño que se pasa el día contemplando.

He's a hermit who spends his days meditating.