ponder
Say it: PON-duh /ˈpɑndɚ/ · verb
What “ponder” means
Think carefully about something for a while.
More precisely: To think about something carefully and at length.
Example: “I like to ponder big decisions on a long walk rather than at my desk.”
When to use it
For giving a question or decision slow, thoughtful attention. Slightly literary, with a calm and reflective tone.
Memory trick
Latin ponderare means to weigh: picture weighing an idea carefully in your mind.
Similar words
contemplate, consider, mull over
Where it comes from
From Latin ponderare, "to weigh."
Quick check
Before choosing a course, you spend the evening carefully thinking through what each option would mean. What do you do?
ponder or guess?
Show the answer
ponder
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