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

Behind those stock prices on a screen, though, are actual businesses pondering their own investment decisions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Vocal-processing technology has evolved to the point where social-media influencers pondering their next career move wonder if they might try becoming pop singers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Drawing on facts and clues that Kaede learns from the news and her own snooping, Grandfather ponders solutions in the sanctuary of his library.

From The Wall Street Journal

The author is remarkably good at finding an obscure statistic or fact that causes the reader to sit back and ponder.

From The Wall Street Journal

Slumped into folding chairs inside his New York studio, renowned designer Marc Jacobs and his brand’s creative director, Joseph Carter, ponder the mood of Jacobs’ Spring 2024 ready-to-wear collection.

From Salon

Related Words

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