ponder
verb (used without object)
to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate (often followed by over or upon ).
had been pondering
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past perfect progressiveof ponder.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The discussion helped crystallize a broader idea Dimon had been pondering about JPMorgan’s role in national defense—and about his own legacy—people familiar with the matter said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
Myers said that during Shabbat — the Jewish Sabbath, a time he does not use electronics — he had been pondering the issue.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2025
The question he had been pondering for a while was … how?
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 23, 2019
After that day at the protest, she did something else that she had been pondering previously for cosmetic reasons, and now desired for safety: She got a nose job.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 4, 2018
“Fifteen years in America very long time,” Aisha said, as though she had been pondering this.
From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
