Rumination: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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