What is the meaning of contemplate?

verb

• Look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought.
  • usage: "contemplate one's navel"
• Consider as a possibility.
  • usage: "I contemplated leaving school and taking a full-time job"
• Think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes.
  • usage: "He is meditating in his study"
  • synonyms: study, meditate
• Reflect deeply on a subject.
  • usage: "I mulled over the events of the afternoon"; "philosophers have speculated on the question of God for thousands of years"; "The scientist must stop to observe and start to excogitate"
  • synonyms: chew over, think over, meditate, ponder, excogitate, muse, reflect, mull, mull over, ruminate, speculate