Meditative
adjective /ˈmɛdɪtətɪv/ — In a state of quiet, sustained thought — the mind settled on something and staying.
Definition
Characterized by or appropriate for extended, sustained contemplation; absorbed in quiet reflection or spiritual practice.
Beyond the definition
Meditative is a quality of presence — being fully here with one thing, not half-elsewhere. It's the state that arrives when you stop rushing through your own thoughts and let them settle. What rises is often surprising.
Origin & history
From Latin meditari — to reflect upon, to consider, to practice. Related to mederi: to heal. The Greeks and Romans both considered reflection a kind of restoration.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
He walked in a meditative silence — not brooding, but deeply present with whatever was happening inside.
The painting had a meditative quality; you could look at it for a long time and each time find it slightly different.
She needed meditative mornings — the rest of the day made more sense when she'd had them.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Meditative” when the meaning fits your context: Characterized by or appropriate for extended, sustained contemplation; absorbed in quiet reflection or spiritual practice.
Synonyms
contemplative, reflective, pensive, serene, absorbed
Antonyms
frantic, distracted, agitated
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Stillness in a quiet room
An adult sits in a minimalist room with hands folded calmly while looking at a distant, blurred garden.
The figure is captured in a state of sustained, quiet focus. The image illustrates the nuance of turning inward and the discipline of maintaining consciousness in a quiet, undisturbed environment.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Meditative" mean?
Meditative is adjective meaning: In a state of quiet, sustained thought — the mind settled on something and staying.. Characterized by or appropriate for extended, sustained contemplation; absorbed in quiet reflection or spiritual practice.
Where does the word "Meditative" come from?
From Latin meditari — to reflect upon, to consider, to practice. Related to mederi: to heal. The Greeks and Romans both considered reflection a kind of restoration.