Chew: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when you are talking about the general action of breaking down food with your teeth. It is a common, neutral word.

• Remember to chew your food properly before swallowing.
• He was chewing gum during the meeting.

This word is suitable when you are specifically referring to the act of closing your teeth into something, often forcefully. It can also be used in contexts involving pain or aggression.

• She took a big bite of the apple.
• Be careful, the dog might bite.

This is a more formal and technical term for chewing, commonly used in scientific or medical contexts.

• Properly masticating food helps with digestion.
• Some animals masticate their food more thoroughly than others.

Use this when referring to the action of biting or nibbling something persistently, usually because of hunger, anxiety, or boredom. Often used to describe animals.

• The mouse began to gnaw on the wooden furniture.
• He gnawed at the bones until there was nothing left.

Chew is used literally to describe the act of using your teeth to break down food.

• She will chew the apple slowly to savor the taste
• The dog loves to chew on bones

Consider means to think carefully about something, usually when making a decision or evaluating options.

• You should consider all the options before making a decision
• I will consider your proposal and get back to you

Contemplate is used when reflecting or thinking deeply about something, often for an extended period.

• She sat by the window to contemplate her future
• He likes to contemplate the meaning of life while walking in the park

Ponder involves thinking carefully and thoroughly about something, often related to a problem or question.

• They will need time to ponder the new information
• He pondered over the best way to approach the challenge