The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Contemplate \Con"tem*plate\ (?; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   Contemplated (# or #); p. pr. & vb. n. Contemplating.]
   [L. contemplatus, p. p. of contemplari to contemplate; con- +
   templum a space for observation marked out by the augur. See
   Temple.]
   1. To look at on all sides or in all its bearings; to view or
      consider with continued attention; to regard with
      deliberate care; to meditate on; to study.
      [1913 Webster]

            To love, at least contemplate and admire,
            What I see excellent.
                                                  --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

            We thus dilate
            Our spirits to the size of that they contemplate.
                                                  --Byron.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To consider or have in view, as contingent or probable; to
      look forward to; to purpose; to intend.
      [1913 Webster]

            There remain some particulars to complete the
            information contemplated by those resolutions. --A.
                                                  Hamilton.
      [1913 Webster]

            If a treaty contains any stipulations which
            contemplate a state of future war.    --Kent.

   Syn: To view; behold; study; ponder; muse; meditate on;
        reflect on; consider; intend; design; plan; propose;
        purpose. See Meditate.
        [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Contemplate \Con"tem*plate\, v. i.
   To consider or think studiously; to ponder; to reflect; to
   muse; to meditate.
   [1913 Webster]

         So many hours must I contemplate.        --Shak.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

contemplate
    v 1: look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought; "contemplate
         one's navel"
    2: consider as a possibility; "I contemplated leaving school and
       taking a full-time job"
    3: think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes; "He
       is meditating in his study" [syn: study, meditate,
       contemplate]
    4: reflect deeply on a subject; "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" [syn: chew over, think
       over, meditate, ponder, excogitate, contemplate,
       muse, reflect, mull, mull over, ruminate,
       speculate]