What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contemplation
Example
She sat in contemplation for hours, pondering the meaning of life. [contemplation: noun]
Example
The monk practiced contemplation as part of his daily spiritual routine. [contemplation: noun]
reflection
Example
After the argument, he spent some time in reflection, trying to understand his own feelings. [reflection: noun]
Example
She reflected on her mistakes and vowed to do better in the future. [reflected: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reflection is more commonly used than contemplation in everyday language. Reflection is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while contemplation is less common and often associated with more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contemplation and reflection?
Contemplation is typically associated with a more formal and serious tone, while reflection can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
