What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cogitating
Example
He spent hours cogitating on the meaning of life. [cogitating: verb]
Example
The scientist was cogitating on how to approach the research problem. [cogitating: gerund or present participle]
contemplating
Example
She sat by the window, contemplating the beauty of nature. [contemplating: verb]
Example
I am contemplating whether to accept the job offer or not. [contemplating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contemplating is more commonly used than cogitating in everyday language. Contemplating is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while cogitating is less common and may be more specific to academic or intellectual discussions.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cogitating and contemplating?
Both cogitating and contemplating can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, cogitating may sound more formal due to its less frequent usage, while contemplating is more commonly used and can be employed in both formal and informal settings.
