Rumination: meaning, definitions and examples

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rumination

[ˌruː.mɪˈneɪ.ʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in psychology

The act of thinking carefully and for a long period about something. Rumination is often associated with negative thoughts and can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Synonyms

contemplation, pensive, reflection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rumination	Used when someone is thinking deeply about something for a long period, often going over the same thoughts again and again. It can have a negative connotation if it leads to overthinking and stress. His constant rumination on past mistakes was preventing him from moving forward. She spent the night in rumination, unable to sleep due to her worries.
contemplation	Refers to the act of thoughtful consideration, often in a calm and intentional manner. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts. She sat in the garden, lost in contemplation of the beauty around her. After much contemplation, he decided to accept the job offer.
reflection	Employed when considering or thinking back on past events or experiences. It can be used in both a literal and figurative sense, often neutral or positive. In his reflection on the previous year, he realized how much he had grown. Her reflection on the lecture led to new insights about the topic.
pensive	Describes a state of deep, often melancholic thought. It generally conveys a sense of sadness or wistfulness. He looked pensive as he stared out the window, thinking about the past. There was a pensive expression on her face as she browsed through old photos.

Examples of usage

She found herself caught in a cycle of rumination, replaying the argument over and over in her mind.
His rumination on past mistakes only served to deepen his sense of regret.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in agriculture

The process by which animals bring up food from the stomach and chew it for a second time. Rumination is a key part of the digestive process for animals like cows and sheep.

Synonyms

chewing cud, regurgitation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rumination	When referring to animals, this term describes the process similar to 'chewing cud' where animals like cows digest their food. In a figurative sense, it can describe deep, persistent thinking as mentioned previously. In biology class, we learned about how rumination works in goats
chewing cud	This phrase is typically used in a literal sense referring to the process by which cows and other ruminant animals regurgitate and re-chew their food. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who seems lost in thought, though this usage is less common. The farmer explained how the cows spend a good part of the day chewing their cud
regurgitation	Regurgitation describes the act of bringing previously swallowed food back up into the mouth. It is mainly used in a medical or biological context, and can have a negative connotation especially when describing a disorder. The veterinarian discussed the issue of regurgitation in birds as a common health problem

Word

Description / Examples

rumination

When referring to animals, this term describes the process similar to 'chewing cud' where animals like cows digest their food. In a figurative sense, it can describe deep, persistent thinking as mentioned previously.

In biology class, we learned about how rumination works in goats

chewing cud

This phrase is typically used in a literal sense referring to the process by which cows and other ruminant animals regurgitate and re-chew their food. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who seems lost in thought, though this usage is less common.

The farmer explained how the cows spend a good part of the day chewing their cud

regurgitation

Regurgitation describes the act of bringing previously swallowed food back up into the mouth. It is mainly used in a medical or biological context, and can have a negative connotation especially when describing a disorder.

The veterinarian discussed the issue of regurgitation in birds as a common health problem

Examples of usage

Cows are known for their rumination process, where they regurgitate their food and chew it to aid digestion.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'ruminare,' meaning 'to chew the cud,' referring to how some animals digest food slowly.
It entered the English language in the late 17th century, transitioning from animal behavior to describe deep thinking in humans.

Psychology

Rumination can be a double-edged sword; it's essential for problem-solving but can also lead to anxiety and depression if it becomes excessive.
Research shows that individuals who ruminate tend to have difficulty moving on from negative experiences.

Philosophy

Philosophers like René Descartes valued the practice of rumination as a way to reach truth and clarity about existence.
In existentialism, deep contemplation helps individuals confront their feelings and understand their purpose.

Cultural Perspectives

In various cultures, meditation practices resemble rumination, encouraging reflecting on life events to gain wisdom.
Literature often portrays characters engaging in rumination as a way to show their inner conflict, such as in the works of Virginia Woolf.

Science

Studies in neuroscience reveal that habitual rumination can alter brain function, particularly in areas related to emotional regulation.
Rumination is linked to alterations in neurotransmitters that can affect mood and overall mental health.

Translations

Translations of the word "rumination" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ruminação

🇮🇳 चिंतन

🇩🇪 Wiederkäuen

🇮🇩 merenung

🇺🇦 роздумування

🇵🇱 przeżuwanie

🇯🇵 反芻

🇫🇷 rumination

🇪🇸 rumiación

🇹🇷 geviş getirme

🇰🇷 반추

🇸🇦 إعادة الاجترار

🇨🇿 přemítání

🇸🇰 rozjímanie

🇨🇳 反刍

🇸🇮 premišljevanje

🇮🇸 hugleiðing

🇰🇿 ойлану

🇬🇪 ფიქრი

🇦🇿 düşüncə

🇲🇽 rumiación

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,676, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
29673 sponging
29674 miscalculated
29675 curios
29676 rumination
29677 bistro
29678 unsuitability
29679 superfine
...