Real Dictionary

contemplate
verb: If you contemplate an action, you think about whether to do it or not.
verb: If you contemplate an idea or subject, you think about it carefully for a long time.
verb: If you contemplate something or someone, you look at them for a long time.

contemplate in American English
to look at intently; gaze at
to meditate or muse, sometimes specif. in a religious or mystical way
intransitive verb: to think studiously; meditate; consider deliberately
transitive verb: to look at or view with continued attention; observe or study thoughtfully

contemplate in British English
to think about intently and at length; consider calmly