Contemplation

A hint to understanding the origins and use of the word contemplate is the syllable ‘temp’, which is also the origin of the word temple, and which has its origins in PIE tem (to cut, to create a space that is set apart).
 
The sense of PIE tem meaning ‘a place set apart’ is also seen in PIE temp (a cleared space in front of an altar) and in Greek temenos (the sacred area around a temple). From these origins comes Latin templum (a piece of ground consecrated for the taking of auspices, a building for the worship of a god). The Old English word tempel, meaning a building for worship or an edifice dedicated to the service of a deity or any place regarded as occupied by divine presence, leads to the current English word temple.
 
And so, on to the word contemplation which is derived from Latin templum. When Latin com- (with, together) is added as a prefix to templum, the words contemplari (to set a place apart for observation, to gaze attentively, to observe), contemplationem, and contemplatio (the act of looking at) are formed. Perhaps in this sense, contemplation could be considered as the act of putting oneself in or near a sacred spot in order to gaze upon the divine. 1
 
Contemplation, meaning a religious musing, comes to English around 1200 from Old French contemplation and Latin contemplationem. Contemplative is from the mid-14th century and the verb ‘to contemplate’ comes from the 1590s.
 
Could it be said that the act of contemplation is an act of not only putting yourself in a space that is set apart but also putting yourself in a time that is set apart? In addition, could it be said that in a way contemplation is putting yourself in a space and a time in which you experience being set apart from yourself? In a ritual fashion you put yourself in the presence of something other than yourself 2 .
 
1 Perhaps similar to the concept in Hinduism of 'doing darshan'; i.e., going to a temple to gaze upon the image of the god with the expectation that the god will look back favourably upon the viewer. Interestingly, the national public television broadcaster in India is called Doordarshan.
 
2 So how are meditation, contemplation, and prayer different? What might the origins of these three words tell us?
 
Meditation, in its origins, seems to be about thoughtfulness, mindfulness, study, and reflection.
 
Prayer, in its origins, seems to be about speaking with intention, perhaps on the other side of meditation, in the anticipation of some expected action or outcome.
 
Contemplation, in its origins, seems to be about being present in a (sacred) space and time that is intentionally set apart from daily activity. Contemplation may include ritual action without necessarily any focus on particular thought or action.   
 
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/