Is there a word for 'to watch something change'? Specifically, observing something that is in the process of...
I was thinking 'observe' but that doesn't necessarily imply that the thing you are observing is changing. Is there a more specific word?
Ex: "I will ___ this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."
A word for 'watching a transformation', specifically.
single-word-requests
asked Jan 14 at 13:17
ShanShan
8613
add a comment |
I was thinking 'observe' but that doesn't necessarily imply that the thing you are observing is changing. Is there a more specific word?
Ex: "I will ___ this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."
A word for 'watching a transformation', specifically.
single-word-requests
asked Jan 14 at 13:17
ShanShan
8613
3
Observe works here as you already state as it emerges from its cocoon. Why would the word need to mean observing a change when you already state that you are observing a change?
– AbraCadaver
Jan 15 at 21:18
"Six hours, nineteen minutes, right ascension, fourteen degrees, fifty-eight minutes declination. . . no sighting."
– Mazura
Jan 17 at 20:34
add a comment |
I was thinking 'observe' but that doesn't necessarily imply that the thing you are observing is changing. Is there a more specific word?
Ex: "I will ___ this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."
A word for 'watching a transformation', specifically.
single-word-requests
asked Jan 14 at 13:17
ShanShan
8613
I was thinking 'observe' but that doesn't necessarily imply that the thing you are observing is changing. Is there a more specific word?
Ex: "I will ___ this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."
A word for 'watching a transformation', specifically.
single-word-requests
single-word-requests
asked Jan 14 at 13:17
ShanShan
8613
asked Jan 14 at 13:17
ShanShan
8613
asked Jan 14 at 13:17
ShanShan
8613
asked Jan 14 at 13:17
ShanShan
8613
asked Jan 14 at 13:17
ShanShan
8613
8613
3
Observe works here as you already state as it emerges from its cocoon. Why would the word need to mean observing a change when you already state that you are observing a change?
– AbraCadaver
Jan 15 at 21:18
"Six hours, nineteen minutes, right ascension, fourteen degrees, fifty-eight minutes declination. . . no sighting."
– Mazura
Jan 17 at 20:34
add a comment |
3
Observe works here as you already state as it emerges from its cocoon. Why would the word need to mean observing a change when you already state that you are observing a change?
– AbraCadaver
Jan 15 at 21:18
"Six hours, nineteen minutes, right ascension, fourteen degrees, fifty-eight minutes declination. . . no sighting."
– Mazura
Jan 17 at 20:34
3
3
Observe works here as you already state as it emerges from its cocoon. Why would the word need to mean observing a change when you already state that you are observing a change?
– AbraCadaver
Jan 15 at 21:18
Observe works here as you already state as it emerges from its cocoon. Why would the word need to mean observing a change when you already state that you are observing a change?
– AbraCadaver
Jan 15 at 21:18
"Six hours, nineteen minutes, right ascension, fourteen degrees, fifty-eight minutes declination. . . no sighting."
– Mazura
Jan 17 at 20:34
"Six hours, nineteen minutes, right ascension, fourteen degrees, fifty-eight minutes declination. . . no sighting."
– Mazura
Jan 17 at 20:34
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
Monitor is the word you are looking for.
verb
1.
observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period of time; keep under systematic review
Oxford Dictionaries
edited Jan 14 at 18:36
Laurel
32.1k660114
answered Jan 14 at 14:04
Neo DarwinNeo Darwin
53015
Monitor has a rather technical connotation. I wouldn't describe someone as monitoring something in order to appreciate its beauty. Even "observe" sounds better to my ear in that context.
– user234461
Jan 15 at 17:36
Observe does not imply the thing is changing @user234461
– Neo Darwin
Jan 15 at 19:00
1
@user234461 The original question does not specify the reason for the observation, the observer could be a student, a butterfly collector, or even an entomologist. Also, while it's definitely a pragmatic term I wouldn't call it technical. Parents monitor their kids.
– barbecue
Jan 15 at 19:03
@barbecue No, I just thought it would be useful additional information. I'm trying to augment the answer here, not trash it. Monitor could sound very odd in some contexts.
– user234461
Jan 16 at 11:51
1
I strongly disagree that monitoring something is equivalent to observing it - even the quoted definition makes that clear: "observe and check". Monitoring involves not only active observation, but also involves noting & recording the changes that are observed. On the other hand, observing may merely involve watching something out of pure curiosity, interest or intrigue but without actually checking, noting, or recording anything about the change itself. For example, you might watch or observe a lunar eclipse out of general interest - but you would not be monitoring it!
– TrevorD
Jan 16 at 15:40
|
show 3 more comments
It would be 'to track'.
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
Track
Transitive verb
1a: to follow the tracks or trace of : TRAIL
b: to search for by following evidence until foundtrack down the source
2a: to follow by vestiges : TRACE
b: to observe or plot the moving path of (something, such as a spacecraft or missile) often instrumentally.
edited Jan 14 at 18:37
Laurel
32.1k660114
answered Jan 14 at 14:10
user307254user307254
1
add a comment |
The simple and quite versatile study would fit quite nicely here, at least that is what I would have chosen if I were to write a biology essay on butterfly metamorphosis.
From OED v4:
study, v.
10. a. To examine in detail, seek to become minutely acquainted with or to understand (a phenomenon, a state of circumstances, a
series of events, a person's character, etc.); to investigate (a
problem).
b. To scrutinize (a visible object) in order to ascertain its nature or to be familiar with or interpret its appearance; loosely, to
look at as if examining minutely.
This is certainly a less precise choice of word than monitor, it is after all the tenth of fifteen meanings listed in total, but I feel monitor can have some unwanted connotations. Usually the word is used when you are controlling a process. That is, keeping an eye on it in case something undesired were to happen, and in that case possibly rectify it or take some other appropriate action. It does not fit that well the act of observing and dutifully logging a natural process with the intention of acquiring knowledge.
answered Jan 14 at 22:04
AkselAAkselA
1414
add a comment |
"I will document this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."
document. TFD
To methodically record the details of:
answered Jan 14 at 17:35
lbflbf
20.2k22572
add a comment |
I don't think there's a single word that specifically means to observe over time looking for changes, because the the fact that observation is being done over time implies that changes are possible, otherwise the observation over time would not be needed.
I think the previously suggested monitor is closest, but in a situation where that would be too formal, contemplate could be used. From Merriam-Webster...
Contemplate
transitive verb
1 : to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on
In this case contemplate means to pay continuous attention to a subject over a period of time. The word can mean to consider a decision, but that is not the only meaning.
"James contemplated the slow emergence of the butterfly from its chrysalis."
answered Jan 15 at 19:34
barbecuebarbecue
4,5071127
add a comment |
protected by tchrist♦ Jan 15 at 12:41
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Monitor is the word you are looking for.
verb
1.
observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period of time; keep under systematic review
Oxford Dictionaries
edited Jan 14 at 18:36
Laurel
32.1k660114
answered Jan 14 at 14:04
Neo DarwinNeo Darwin
53015
Monitor has a rather technical connotation. I wouldn't describe someone as monitoring something in order to appreciate its beauty. Even "observe" sounds better to my ear in that context.
– user234461
Jan 15 at 17:36
Observe does not imply the thing is changing @user234461
– Neo Darwin
Jan 15 at 19:00
1
@user234461 The original question does not specify the reason for the observation, the observer could be a student, a butterfly collector, or even an entomologist. Also, while it's definitely a pragmatic term I wouldn't call it technical. Parents monitor their kids.
– barbecue
Jan 15 at 19:03
@barbecue No, I just thought it would be useful additional information. I'm trying to augment the answer here, not trash it. Monitor could sound very odd in some contexts.
– user234461
Jan 16 at 11:51
1
I strongly disagree that monitoring something is equivalent to observing it - even the quoted definition makes that clear: "observe and check". Monitoring involves not only active observation, but also involves noting & recording the changes that are observed. On the other hand, observing may merely involve watching something out of pure curiosity, interest or intrigue but without actually checking, noting, or recording anything about the change itself. For example, you might watch or observe a lunar eclipse out of general interest - but you would not be monitoring it!
– TrevorD
Jan 16 at 15:40
|
show 3 more comments
Monitor is the word you are looking for.
verb
1.
observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period of time; keep under systematic review
Oxford Dictionaries
edited Jan 14 at 18:36
Laurel
32.1k660114
answered Jan 14 at 14:04
Neo DarwinNeo Darwin
53015
Monitor has a rather technical connotation. I wouldn't describe someone as monitoring something in order to appreciate its beauty. Even "observe" sounds better to my ear in that context.
– user234461
Jan 15 at 17:36
Observe does not imply the thing is changing @user234461
– Neo Darwin
Jan 15 at 19:00
1
@user234461 The original question does not specify the reason for the observation, the observer could be a student, a butterfly collector, or even an entomologist. Also, while it's definitely a pragmatic term I wouldn't call it technical. Parents monitor their kids.
– barbecue
Jan 15 at 19:03
@barbecue No, I just thought it would be useful additional information. I'm trying to augment the answer here, not trash it. Monitor could sound very odd in some contexts.
– user234461
Jan 16 at 11:51
1
I strongly disagree that monitoring something is equivalent to observing it - even the quoted definition makes that clear: "observe and check". Monitoring involves not only active observation, but also involves noting & recording the changes that are observed. On the other hand, observing may merely involve watching something out of pure curiosity, interest or intrigue but without actually checking, noting, or recording anything about the change itself. For example, you might watch or observe a lunar eclipse out of general interest - but you would not be monitoring it!
– TrevorD
Jan 16 at 15:40
|
show 3 more comments
Monitor is the word you are looking for.
verb
1.
observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period of time; keep under systematic review
Oxford Dictionaries
edited Jan 14 at 18:36
Laurel
32.1k660114
answered Jan 14 at 14:04
Neo DarwinNeo Darwin
53015
Monitor is the word you are looking for.
verb
1.
observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period of time; keep under systematic review
Oxford Dictionaries
edited Jan 14 at 18:36
Laurel
32.1k660114
answered Jan 14 at 14:04
Neo DarwinNeo Darwin
53015
edited Jan 14 at 18:36
Laurel
32.1k660114
edited Jan 14 at 18:36
Laurel
32.1k660114
edited Jan 14 at 18:36
Laurel
32.1k660114
32.1k660114
answered Jan 14 at 14:04
Neo DarwinNeo Darwin
53015
answered Jan 14 at 14:04
Neo DarwinNeo Darwin
53015
answered Jan 14 at 14:04
Neo DarwinNeo Darwin
53015
53015
Monitor has a rather technical connotation. I wouldn't describe someone as monitoring something in order to appreciate its beauty. Even "observe" sounds better to my ear in that context.
– user234461
Jan 15 at 17:36
Observe does not imply the thing is changing @user234461
– Neo Darwin
Jan 15 at 19:00
1
@user234461 The original question does not specify the reason for the observation, the observer could be a student, a butterfly collector, or even an entomologist. Also, while it's definitely a pragmatic term I wouldn't call it technical. Parents monitor their kids.
– barbecue
Jan 15 at 19:03
@barbecue No, I just thought it would be useful additional information. I'm trying to augment the answer here, not trash it. Monitor could sound very odd in some contexts.
– user234461
Jan 16 at 11:51
1
I strongly disagree that monitoring something is equivalent to observing it - even the quoted definition makes that clear: "observe and check". Monitoring involves not only active observation, but also involves noting & recording the changes that are observed. On the other hand, observing may merely involve watching something out of pure curiosity, interest or intrigue but without actually checking, noting, or recording anything about the change itself. For example, you might watch or observe a lunar eclipse out of general interest - but you would not be monitoring it!
– TrevorD
Jan 16 at 15:40
|
show 3 more comments
Monitor has a rather technical connotation. I wouldn't describe someone as monitoring something in order to appreciate its beauty. Even "observe" sounds better to my ear in that context.
– user234461
Jan 15 at 17:36
Observe does not imply the thing is changing @user234461
– Neo Darwin
Jan 15 at 19:00
1
@user234461 The original question does not specify the reason for the observation, the observer could be a student, a butterfly collector, or even an entomologist. Also, while it's definitely a pragmatic term I wouldn't call it technical. Parents monitor their kids.
– barbecue
Jan 15 at 19:03
@barbecue No, I just thought it would be useful additional information. I'm trying to augment the answer here, not trash it. Monitor could sound very odd in some contexts.
– user234461
Jan 16 at 11:51
1
I strongly disagree that monitoring something is equivalent to observing it - even the quoted definition makes that clear: "observe and check". Monitoring involves not only active observation, but also involves noting & recording the changes that are observed. On the other hand, observing may merely involve watching something out of pure curiosity, interest or intrigue but without actually checking, noting, or recording anything about the change itself. For example, you might watch or observe a lunar eclipse out of general interest - but you would not be monitoring it!
– TrevorD
Jan 16 at 15:40
Monitor has a rather technical connotation. I wouldn't describe someone as monitoring something in order to appreciate its beauty. Even "observe" sounds better to my ear in that context.
– user234461
Jan 15 at 17:36
Monitor has a rather technical connotation. I wouldn't describe someone as monitoring something in order to appreciate its beauty. Even "observe" sounds better to my ear in that context.
– user234461
Jan 15 at 17:36
Observe does not imply the thing is changing @user234461
– Neo Darwin
Jan 15 at 19:00
Observe does not imply the thing is changing @user234461
– Neo Darwin
Jan 15 at 19:00
1
1
@user234461 The original question does not specify the reason for the observation, the observer could be a student, a butterfly collector, or even an entomologist. Also, while it's definitely a pragmatic term I wouldn't call it technical. Parents monitor their kids.
– barbecue
Jan 15 at 19:03
@user234461 The original question does not specify the reason for the observation, the observer could be a student, a butterfly collector, or even an entomologist. Also, while it's definitely a pragmatic term I wouldn't call it technical. Parents monitor their kids.
– barbecue
Jan 15 at 19:03
@barbecue No, I just thought it would be useful additional information. I'm trying to augment the answer here, not trash it. Monitor could sound very odd in some contexts.
– user234461
Jan 16 at 11:51
@barbecue No, I just thought it would be useful additional information. I'm trying to augment the answer here, not trash it. Monitor could sound very odd in some contexts.
– user234461
Jan 16 at 11:51
1
1
I strongly disagree that monitoring something is equivalent to observing it - even the quoted definition makes that clear: "observe and check". Monitoring involves not only active observation, but also involves noting & recording the changes that are observed. On the other hand, observing may merely involve watching something out of pure curiosity, interest or intrigue but without actually checking, noting, or recording anything about the change itself. For example, you might watch or observe a lunar eclipse out of general interest - but you would not be monitoring it!
– TrevorD
Jan 16 at 15:40
I strongly disagree that monitoring something is equivalent to observing it - even the quoted definition makes that clear: "observe and check". Monitoring involves not only active observation, but also involves noting & recording the changes that are observed. On the other hand, observing may merely involve watching something out of pure curiosity, interest or intrigue but without actually checking, noting, or recording anything about the change itself. For example, you might watch or observe a lunar eclipse out of general interest - but you would not be monitoring it!
– TrevorD
Jan 16 at 15:40
|
show 3 more comments
It would be 'to track'.
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
Track
Transitive verb
1a: to follow the tracks or trace of : TRAIL
b: to search for by following evidence until foundtrack down the source
2a: to follow by vestiges : TRACE
b: to observe or plot the moving path of (something, such as a spacecraft or missile) often instrumentally.
edited Jan 14 at 18:37
Laurel
32.1k660114
answered Jan 14 at 14:10
user307254user307254
1
add a comment |
It would be 'to track'.
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
Track
Transitive verb
1a: to follow the tracks or trace of : TRAIL
b: to search for by following evidence until foundtrack down the source
2a: to follow by vestiges : TRACE
b: to observe or plot the moving path of (something, such as a spacecraft or missile) often instrumentally.
edited Jan 14 at 18:37
Laurel
32.1k660114
answered Jan 14 at 14:10
user307254user307254
1
add a comment |
It would be 'to track'.
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
Track
Transitive verb
1a: to follow the tracks or trace of : TRAIL
b: to search for by following evidence until foundtrack down the source
2a: to follow by vestiges : TRACE
b: to observe or plot the moving path of (something, such as a spacecraft or missile) often instrumentally.
edited Jan 14 at 18:37
Laurel
32.1k660114
answered Jan 14 at 14:10
user307254user307254
1
It would be 'to track'.
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
Track
Transitive verb
1a: to follow the tracks or trace of : TRAIL
b: to search for by following evidence until foundtrack down the source
2a: to follow by vestiges : TRACE
b: to observe or plot the moving path of (something, such as a spacecraft or missile) often instrumentally.
edited Jan 14 at 18:37
Laurel
32.1k660114
answered Jan 14 at 14:10
user307254user307254
1
edited Jan 14 at 18:37
Laurel
32.1k660114
edited Jan 14 at 18:37
Laurel
32.1k660114
edited Jan 14 at 18:37
Laurel
32.1k660114
32.1k660114
answered Jan 14 at 14:10
user307254user307254
1
answered Jan 14 at 14:10
user307254user307254
1
answered Jan 14 at 14:10
user307254user307254
1
1
add a comment |
add a comment |
The simple and quite versatile study would fit quite nicely here, at least that is what I would have chosen if I were to write a biology essay on butterfly metamorphosis.
From OED v4:
study, v.
10. a. To examine in detail, seek to become minutely acquainted with or to understand (a phenomenon, a state of circumstances, a
series of events, a person's character, etc.); to investigate (a
problem).
b. To scrutinize (a visible object) in order to ascertain its nature or to be familiar with or interpret its appearance; loosely, to
look at as if examining minutely.
This is certainly a less precise choice of word than monitor, it is after all the tenth of fifteen meanings listed in total, but I feel monitor can have some unwanted connotations. Usually the word is used when you are controlling a process. That is, keeping an eye on it in case something undesired were to happen, and in that case possibly rectify it or take some other appropriate action. It does not fit that well the act of observing and dutifully logging a natural process with the intention of acquiring knowledge.
answered Jan 14 at 22:04
AkselAAkselA
1414
add a comment |
The simple and quite versatile study would fit quite nicely here, at least that is what I would have chosen if I were to write a biology essay on butterfly metamorphosis.
From OED v4:
study, v.
10. a. To examine in detail, seek to become minutely acquainted with or to understand (a phenomenon, a state of circumstances, a
series of events, a person's character, etc.); to investigate (a
problem).
b. To scrutinize (a visible object) in order to ascertain its nature or to be familiar with or interpret its appearance; loosely, to
look at as if examining minutely.
This is certainly a less precise choice of word than monitor, it is after all the tenth of fifteen meanings listed in total, but I feel monitor can have some unwanted connotations. Usually the word is used when you are controlling a process. That is, keeping an eye on it in case something undesired were to happen, and in that case possibly rectify it or take some other appropriate action. It does not fit that well the act of observing and dutifully logging a natural process with the intention of acquiring knowledge.
answered Jan 14 at 22:04
AkselAAkselA
1414
add a comment |
The simple and quite versatile study would fit quite nicely here, at least that is what I would have chosen if I were to write a biology essay on butterfly metamorphosis.
From OED v4:
study, v.
10. a. To examine in detail, seek to become minutely acquainted with or to understand (a phenomenon, a state of circumstances, a
series of events, a person's character, etc.); to investigate (a
problem).
b. To scrutinize (a visible object) in order to ascertain its nature or to be familiar with or interpret its appearance; loosely, to
look at as if examining minutely.
This is certainly a less precise choice of word than monitor, it is after all the tenth of fifteen meanings listed in total, but I feel monitor can have some unwanted connotations. Usually the word is used when you are controlling a process. That is, keeping an eye on it in case something undesired were to happen, and in that case possibly rectify it or take some other appropriate action. It does not fit that well the act of observing and dutifully logging a natural process with the intention of acquiring knowledge.
answered Jan 14 at 22:04
AkselAAkselA
1414
The simple and quite versatile study would fit quite nicely here, at least that is what I would have chosen if I were to write a biology essay on butterfly metamorphosis.
From OED v4:
study, v.
10. a. To examine in detail, seek to become minutely acquainted with or to understand (a phenomenon, a state of circumstances, a
series of events, a person's character, etc.); to investigate (a
problem).
b. To scrutinize (a visible object) in order to ascertain its nature or to be familiar with or interpret its appearance; loosely, to
look at as if examining minutely.
This is certainly a less precise choice of word than monitor, it is after all the tenth of fifteen meanings listed in total, but I feel monitor can have some unwanted connotations. Usually the word is used when you are controlling a process. That is, keeping an eye on it in case something undesired were to happen, and in that case possibly rectify it or take some other appropriate action. It does not fit that well the act of observing and dutifully logging a natural process with the intention of acquiring knowledge.
answered Jan 14 at 22:04
AkselAAkselA
1414
answered Jan 14 at 22:04
AkselAAkselA
1414
answered Jan 14 at 22:04
AkselAAkselA
1414
answered Jan 14 at 22:04
AkselAAkselA
1414
1414
add a comment |
add a comment |
"I will document this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."
document. TFD
To methodically record the details of:
answered Jan 14 at 17:35
lbflbf
20.2k22572
add a comment |
"I will document this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."
document. TFD
To methodically record the details of:
answered Jan 14 at 17:35
lbflbf
20.2k22572
add a comment |
"I will document this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."
document. TFD
To methodically record the details of:
answered Jan 14 at 17:35
lbflbf
20.2k22572
"I will document this butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon."
document. TFD
To methodically record the details of:
answered Jan 14 at 17:35
lbflbf
20.2k22572
answered Jan 14 at 17:35
lbflbf
20.2k22572
answered Jan 14 at 17:35
lbflbf
20.2k22572
answered Jan 14 at 17:35
lbflbf
20.2k22572
20.2k22572
add a comment |
add a comment |
I don't think there's a single word that specifically means to observe over time looking for changes, because the the fact that observation is being done over time implies that changes are possible, otherwise the observation over time would not be needed.
I think the previously suggested monitor is closest, but in a situation where that would be too formal, contemplate could be used. From Merriam-Webster...
Contemplate
transitive verb
1 : to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on
In this case contemplate means to pay continuous attention to a subject over a period of time. The word can mean to consider a decision, but that is not the only meaning.
"James contemplated the slow emergence of the butterfly from its chrysalis."
answered Jan 15 at 19:34
barbecuebarbecue
4,5071127
add a comment |
I don't think there's a single word that specifically means to observe over time looking for changes, because the the fact that observation is being done over time implies that changes are possible, otherwise the observation over time would not be needed.
I think the previously suggested monitor is closest, but in a situation where that would be too formal, contemplate could be used. From Merriam-Webster...
Contemplate
transitive verb
1 : to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on
In this case contemplate means to pay continuous attention to a subject over a period of time. The word can mean to consider a decision, but that is not the only meaning.
"James contemplated the slow emergence of the butterfly from its chrysalis."
answered Jan 15 at 19:34
barbecuebarbecue
4,5071127
add a comment |
I don't think there's a single word that specifically means to observe over time looking for changes, because the the fact that observation is being done over time implies that changes are possible, otherwise the observation over time would not be needed.
I think the previously suggested monitor is closest, but in a situation where that would be too formal, contemplate could be used. From Merriam-Webster...
Contemplate
transitive verb
1 : to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on
In this case contemplate means to pay continuous attention to a subject over a period of time. The word can mean to consider a decision, but that is not the only meaning.
"James contemplated the slow emergence of the butterfly from its chrysalis."
answered Jan 15 at 19:34
barbecuebarbecue
4,5071127
I don't think there's a single word that specifically means to observe over time looking for changes, because the the fact that observation is being done over time implies that changes are possible, otherwise the observation over time would not be needed.
I think the previously suggested monitor is closest, but in a situation where that would be too formal, contemplate could be used. From Merriam-Webster...
Contemplate
transitive verb
1 : to view or consider with continued attention : meditate on
In this case contemplate means to pay continuous attention to a subject over a period of time. The word can mean to consider a decision, but that is not the only meaning.
"James contemplated the slow emergence of the butterfly from its chrysalis."
answered Jan 15 at 19:34
barbecuebarbecue
4,5071127
edited Jan 15 at 19:39
answered Jan 15 at 19:34
barbecuebarbecue
4,5071127
answered Jan 15 at 19:34
barbecuebarbecue
4,5071127
answered Jan 15 at 19:34
barbecuebarbecue
4,5071127
4,5071127
add a comment |
add a comment |
protected by tchrist♦ Jan 15 at 12:41
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
3
Observe works here as you already state as it emerges from its cocoon. Why would the word need to mean observing a change when you already state that you are observing a change?
– AbraCadaver
Jan 15 at 21:18
"Six hours, nineteen minutes, right ascension, fourteen degrees, fifty-eight minutes declination. . . no sighting."
– Mazura
Jan 17 at 20:34