WordGarden.iomeditation
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˌɛdɪtˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌmɛdəˈteɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a practice of quietly focusing the mind for calm, awareness, or insight
deep reflective thought about something
Beyond the definition
Meditation isn't just about sitting cross-legged and chanting "om" (though it can be!). It's a practice of training your mind to focus, notice thoughts without judging them too quickly, and build a sense of inner calm. Think of it like exercise for your brain: the more you do it, the better you may become at directing your attention and handling stress.
You might hear about meditation in the context of mindfulness, spirituality, or even as a tool used by athletes to improve performance. A stressed-out CEO might start a daily practice to clear her head, while a yoga instructor may guide students into a quiet savasana (corpse pose) at the end of class. It's not about emptying your mind; it's about noticing what is in your mind without getting carried away by it.
Meditation is a practice in which a person uses techniques such as mindfulness, focusing on the breath, or repeating a mantra to train attention and awareness and to reach a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. It has been practiced for thousands of years across many cultures and religions, and its benefits are also studied in modern science.
Historically, meditation was deeply rooted in spiritual traditions like Buddhism and Hinduism, where it served as a path to enlightenment or self-realization. Today, while still central to these faiths, it is also widely used as a secular practice for stress reduction, improved focus, and emotional well-being.
There are many different types of meditation. Vipassana (insight) meditation focuses on observing sensations, thoughts, and emotions without judgment. Transcendental Meditation uses mantras to quiet the mind. Loving-kindness meditation builds feelings of compassion for oneself and others. You might read about studies suggesting that regular practice can help lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, or be linked to changes in the brain.
The word itself comes from the Latin meditatio, meaning "to reflect" or "to think deeply." But modern meditation is not necessarily about deep philosophical thinking; it is more about being present in the moment and developing a sense of inner stillness. So whether you are seeking spiritual growth, mental clarity, or simply a little peace in your day, meditation offers a powerful tool for self-discovery and well-being.
Examples
- 1
Daily routine
I do ten minutes of meditation before work.
- 2
Class activity
The class began with a short meditation.
- 3
Guided practice
The app offers a guided meditation for beginners.
- Phraseguided meditation
meditation where someone tells you what to do
- 4
Long-term practice
He has been practicing meditation for years.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Mindfulness
During meditation, try to notice each thought and then let it go.
- 6
Retreat program
The retreat includes yoga, silent meditation, and simple meals.
- 7
Reflective writing
Her new book is a meditation on grief and forgiveness.
- Patterna meditation on + topic
a careful, thoughtful discussion of it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- practice meditation
- guided meditation
- meditation practice
- mindfulness meditation
Word family
Explore
- breathwork
- mantra
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- meditationnoun
Forms
- meditationspluralnoun