Meditate
/ˈmɛd.ɪ.teɪt/noun
To focus one’s mind in quiet thought, reflection, or contemplation.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin *meditari*, which originally meant to practice, ponder, or reflect repeatedly—showing that deep thought was once treated almost like disciplined training, not just relaxation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*med-
“to measure, consider, take appropriate counsel”
Latin
Latin
mederi
“to heal, to give medical treatment”
Latin
Latin
meditari
“to practice, consider, reflect”
Old French
Old French
meditacion
“thoughtful reflection, contemplation”
Middle English
English
meditaten
“to think deeply, reflect”
Modern English
English
meditate
“to focus the mind in quiet thought or contemplation”