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Meditative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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meditative

[ˈmɛd.ɪ.tə.tɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

practice

of, involving, or inducing meditation; contemplative

Synonyms

contemplative, introspective, reflective.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meditative

Used when describing a state of deep thought or relaxation, often associated with meditation practices.

  • During her yoga class, she found herself in a meditative state
  • The atmosphere in the room was calm and meditative
contemplative

Appropriate when someone is deep in thought, considering something seriously or thoughtfully.

  • He spent a contemplative afternoon by the lake, thinking about his future
  • The artist's work has a contemplative quality to it
reflective

Used when someone is thinking carefully about something, often related to personal experiences or past events.

  • His reflective nature made him a good listener
  • She wrote a reflective essay on her experiences in high school
introspective

Best suited for situations where someone is looking inward and examining their own thoughts, feelings, and motives.

  • After the breakup, she became quite introspective, trying to understand her emotions
  • The novel takes an introspective look at the protagonist's life

Examples of usage

  • It was a meditative experience to sit by the lake and watch the sunset.
  • Yoga is known for its meditative benefits, helping to calm the mind and body.
  • The meditative music filled the room, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Context #2 | Adjective

mood

deeply thoughtful; pensive

Synonyms

contemplative, pensive, thoughtful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meditative

Used when someone is deeply engaged in thought, often in a manner similar to meditation. This term evokes calmness and introspection.

  • She sat by the window, her posture meditative as she watched the rain fall.
  • After a meditative yoga session, he felt more centered and at peace.
pensive

Implies a state of deep or serious thought, often tinged with sadness or worry.

  • She stared out the window with a pensive expression, lost in her thoughts.
  • His pensive mood was noticeable as he pondered the day's events.
contemplative

Suitable when referring to a prolonged period of deep thought, often involving serious consideration or reflection.

  • He spent a contemplative evening thinking about his future.
  • The quiet garden provided a perfect setting for her contemplative mood.
thoughtful

Describes someone who is considering or reflecting on something, or showing consideration for others.

  • He is always so thoughtful, remembering all the little details that make people happy.
  • She paused, a thoughtful look on her face, before answering the question.

Examples of usage

  • She was in a meditative mood, lost in her own thoughts.
  • His meditative expression indicated he was pondering a complex problem.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

  • Various cultures, including Buddhism and Hinduism, incorporate meditative practices to achieve inner peace.
  • In the West, mindfulness meditation has gained popularity for its mental health benefits.
  • Many artists and writers have used meditation as a tool for creativity, claiming it helps them access deeper ideas.

Health and Wellness

  • Studies show that meditative practices can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.
  • It has been found to positively impact brain function, promoting neuroplasticity.
  • Regular meditation can help lower blood pressure and improve sleep patterns.

Psychology

  • Meditation is often used in therapy to help individuals manage anxiety and depression.
  • Research indicates that just a few minutes of focused thought can increase emotional resilience.
  • Practicing mindfulness is linked to improved emotional regulation and greater self-awareness.

Origin of 'meditative'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'meditari', which means 'to think' or 'to ponder'.
  • It has roots in the early 15th century, evolving to describe practices of reflection and contemplation.
  • In old French, 'meditatif' also highlighted the aspect of being thoughtful or reflective.

The word 'meditative' originates from the Latin word 'meditativus', which is derived from 'meditatus', the past participle of 'meditari' meaning 'to meditate' or 'to think over'. The concept of meditation has roots in ancient Eastern traditions and has been practiced for centuries as a way to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace.

See also: meditation, meditatively, meditativeness, meditator, premeditated.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,845, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.