ponder

American  

[pon-der] / ˈpɒn dər /

verb (used without object)

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

   Synonyms:

   ruminate, deliberate, cogitate, reflect

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verb (used with object)

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

   He pondered his next words thoroughly.

ponder British  

/ ˈpɒndə /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of ponder

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 )

Example Sentences

That pride can turn to dread as you ponder a future of RMDs where you must withdraw money that you’d prefer to leave untouched — and pay federal tax on that money at ordinary income rates.

From MarketWatch

While England will definitely make one change for the series finale, Australia will also ponder alterations to their side after surrendering an 18-match unbeaten streak in home Ashes Tests.

From BBC

International Cricket Council referee Jeff Crowe is yet to deliver his assessment of the pitch, pondering whether to give it an "unsatisfactory" rating which would see the venue slapped with a demerit point.

From Barron's

England's pace attack will have collectively pondered, fretted and chewed the festive bowling fat on their journey from Adelaide to the Melbourne Cricket Ground this week.

From BBC

Or they occasionally ponder their spending and saving, which gives them a rough approximation of their cash flow without helping them determine if they’re on track.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• consider
• contemplate
• deliberate
• evaluate
• examine
• mull
• mull over
• puzzle over
• reflect
• speculate
• weigh