Ruminating: meaning, definitions and examples

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ruminating

[ˈruːmɪneɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{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?

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?

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.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'ruminare,' which means 'to chew cud,' reflecting the idea of processing thoughts repeatedly.
It originally related to how certain animals digest their food by bringing it back up and chewing it again, highlighting a cycle of reflection.

Psychology

Ruminating can lead to deeper insights but can also contribute to anxiety and depression when thoughts become negative.
There are two types of rumination: problem-focused, which is constructive, and emotion-focused, which tends to be harmful.

Literature

In literature, characters often ruminate on their thoughts and feelings, allowing readers to understand their internal struggles.
Famous authors like Virginia Woolf used ruminative passages to explore the complexities of their characters' emotions.

Cultural Perspectives

Some cultures view ruminating as a necessary part of decision-making, believing that taking time to think leads to better outcomes.
Conversely, other cultures encourage quick decision-making and may see excessive rumination as a sign of indecisiveness.

Health

Certain mindfulness practices encourage calming the mind and reducing rumination to improve mental health.
Studies have shown that engaging in physical activities can help distract the mind and lower the tendency to ruminate.

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

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.

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29726 wadding
29727 overrode
29728 ruminating
29729 gainer
29730 autographed
29731 immobilize
...