expression
deep in thought; lost in contemplation
A yojijukugo describing a state of silent, profound thinking. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
彼は沈思黙考の末、ついに答えを見つけた。
After deep contemplation, he finally found the answer.
黙考 means silent contemplation, a component of 沈思黙考, but 沈思黙考 emphasizes a deeper, more profound state of thought.
A yojijukugo composed of 沈 (sink, be immersed), 思 (think), 黙 (silent), and 考 (consider). The exact origin is uncertain, but it follows the typical four-character idiom pattern of classical Chinese origin.