English vocabulary · C2
Ruminate
/ˈruːmɪneɪt/ · v.
To ruminate is to think about the same thing for a long time. You return to it instead of thinking about something new.
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Example sentences
- At night, I ruminate on mistakes.
- She ruminates over job choices.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- rumin — chew again (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- PONDER — think deeply about something (Think with care)
- REFLECT — think about an experience (Look back in thought)
- MUSE — think slowly and calmly (Think quietly)
Similar words
- ponder
- reflect
- muse
- consider
- contemplate
Lesson notes
To ruminate is to think about the same thing for a long time. You return to it instead of thinking about something new.
Related: ponder, reflect, muse. Use ruminate when thoughts keep returning.
At night, I ruminate on mistakes. She ruminates over job choices.
From Latin. rumin- means chew again. Chew a thought again in your mind when you ruminate.