ponder

[pon-der]

verb (used without object)

1. to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate (often followed by over orupon ).

   Synonyms: ruminate, deliberate, cogitate, reflect

verb (used with object)

1. to weigh carefully in the mind; consider thoughtfully.

   He pondered his next words thoroughly.

ponder

/ ˈpɒndə /

verb

1. to give thorough or deep consideration (to); meditate (upon)

Other Word Forms

• ponderer noun
• reponder verb (used without object)
• unpondered adjective
• well-pondered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ponder¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English pondren, from Middle French ponderer, from Latin ponderāre “to weigh, reflect on,” derivative of pondus “weight”; akin to pendēre “to be suspended, hang” ( pend )

Word History and Origins

Origin of ponder¹

C14: from Old French ponderer, from Latin ponderāre to weigh, consider, from pondus weight; related to pendere to weigh

Example Sentences

In this interview she told the BBC that she still ponders whether she should have acted differently and talked to him about it.

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Jover has been pondering these questions for more than 15 years, ever since he spent two years studying at the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec.

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Whether that goes as far as an actual attempt to dislodge the Maduro regime through force, ponders Professor Albertus, it is hard to know.

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The couple is also pondering a house move as well as helping their children with their future.

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Mared said as a parent she feels guilty and naïve, and pondered whether serious eye conditions are being missed as parents juggle families, jobs and the day-to-day routine.

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Related Words

• consider 
• contemplate 
• deliberate 
• evaluate 
• examine 
• mull 
• mull over 
• puzzle over www.thesaurus.com
• reflect 
• speculate 
• weigh