Ruminating: meaning, definitions and examples

🤔
Add to dictionary

ruminating

 

[ ˈruːmɪneɪtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

thinking deeply

To ruminating means to think deeply about something, typically for a long period of time. It involves reflecting on a particular topic from different angles and perspectives.

Synonyms

contemplate, meditate, ponder, reflect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ruminating

This word is often used to describe the act of thinking deeply about something, typically in a repetitive or obsessive way. It often has a negative connotation, suggesting that the person might be stuck in their thoughts.

  • She spent the entire night ruminating over her mistakes.
  • He kept ruminating about what he could have done differently.
contemplate

This word is used for thinking deeply or carefully about something, often in a calm and deliberate manner. It can be used for positive, neutral, or thoughtful consideration.

  • He sat by the lake to contemplate his future.
  • She contemplated the meaning of life.
ponder

This word means to think about something carefully and thoroughly, often in the process of making a decision or considering a complex issue. It generally holds a neutral to positive connotation.

  • He pondered over the offer for several days.
  • She pondered the implications of the new policy.
meditate

This word is typically used in the context of a formal or informal practice aimed at focusing the mind, often for relaxation, spiritual growth, or gaining clarity.

  • She meditates every morning to clear her mind.
  • He spent an hour meditating to find inner peace.
reflect

This word is commonly used to describe thinking back on or considering something, often with the purpose of gaining insight or understanding. It is usually used in a neutral or positive light.

  • She took a moment to reflect on her achievements.
  • He reflected on his childhood during the reunion.

Examples of usage

  • I spent hours ruminating on what she said to me.
  • He was ruminating about his future career choices.
  • She sat quietly, ruminating on the events of the day.
Context #2 | Verb

digesting food

In the context of digestion, ruminating refers to the process by which certain animals, like cows or sheep, chew their food, swallow it, regurgitate it, and then chew it again.

Synonyms

chew cud, masticate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ruminating

Used in a similar context to the first 'ruminating', indicating deep thought. It is repetitively listed but has the same meaning.

  • Ruminating over his choices, he found it hard to make a decision.
  • She was ruminating about her future career.
chew cud

Specific to cows and other ruminant animals, it describes the process where they regurgitate partially digested food to chew it again. This is not typically used in a human context.

  • The cows were lying in the field, contentedly chewing cud.
masticate

A more formal or scientific term for chewing food, it is often used in medical or academic contexts.

  • It is important to masticate food thoroughly to aid in digestion.
  • Chewing gum can help stimulate saliva production and masticate food.

Examples of usage

  • Cows spend a lot of time ruminating their food to aid in digestion.

Translations

Translations of the word "ruminating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ruminar

🇮🇳 जुगाली करना

🇩🇪 wiederkäuen

🇮🇩 merenungkan

🇺🇦 жувати жуйку

🇵🇱 przeżuwać

🇯🇵 反芻する (はんすうする)

🇫🇷 ruminer

🇪🇸 rumiar

🇹🇷 geviş getirmek

🇰🇷 되새기다

🇸🇦 اجترار

🇨🇿 překousat

🇸🇰 prežúvať

🇨🇳 反刍 (fǎnchú)

🇸🇮 prežvekovati

🇮🇸 jórtra

🇰🇿 жұту

🇬🇪 ღეჭვა

🇦🇿 gəvşətmək

🇲🇽 rumiar

Etymology

The word 'ruminating' comes from the Latin word 'ruminare', which means 'to chew over again'. It originally referred to the process of digestion in animals that chew their cud. Over time, the meaning expanded to include deep and prolonged thinking or contemplation.

See also: rumination.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,728, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.