ruminate
Meaning: To think deeply and at length about something, often turning it over repeatedly in one's mind.
Ruminate suggests prolonged, sometimes obsessive reflection — chewing over an idea much as a ruminant animal chews its cud. In psychology, rumination has a clinical sense referring to repetitive, unhelpful thought patterns associated with depression. In general writing, it collocates with 'on,' 'over,' and 'about,' and carries a slightly literary register.
Examples
- The columnist ruminated on the long-term consequences of devolution for the Union. 那位专栏作家深思了权力下放对联合王国的长远影响。El columnista reflexionó sobre las consecuencias a largo plazo de la descentralización para la Unión.そのコラムニストは、権限移譲が連合王国に及ぼす長期的影響について熟考した。그 칼럼니스트는 권한 이양이 연합왕국에 미칠 장기적 결과에 대해 깊이 사색했다.
- He spent the weekend ruminating over the committee's verdict, unable to settle his mind. 他整个周末都在反复琢磨委员会的裁决,心绪难以平复。Pasó el fin de semana dándole vueltas al veredicto del comité, incapaz de sosegar su mente.彼は週末を費やして委員会の裁定について思い悩み、心を落ち着けることができなかった。그는 주말 내내 위원회의 결정을 곱씹으며 마음을 진정시키지 못했다.
- In her memoir, she ruminates at length about the tension between ambition and contentment. 在回忆录中,她长篇幅地沉思着野心与满足之间的张力。En sus memorias, cavila extensamente sobre la tensión entre la ambición y la satisfacción.回想録の中で、彼女は野心と充足感の間の緊張関係について長々と思索を巡らせている。회고록에서 그녀는 야망과 만족 사이의 긴장 관계에 대해 길게 사색을 펼친다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, literary, journalism
Tone: reflective
Origin & History
From Latin ruminare (to chew the cud), from rumen (throat, gullet). The figurative sense of deep thought appeared in English by the late 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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