ponder

[ pon-der ]

/ ˈpɒn dər /

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See synonyms for: ponder / pondered / pondering on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)

to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate (often followed by over or upon).

verb (used with object)

to weigh carefully in the mind; consider thoughtfully: He pondered his next words thoroughly.

OTHER WORDS FOR ponder

1 reflect, cogitate, deliberate, ruminate.

See synonyms for ponder on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ

There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. Are your language skills up to the task of telling the difference? Let's find out!

Question 1 of 7

True or false? British English and American English are only different when it comes to slang words.

true

false

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Origin of ponder

1300–50; Middle English pondren<Middle French ponderer<Latin ponderāre to ponder, weigh; akin to pendēre to be suspended, hang (see pend)

OTHER WORDS FROM ponder

pon·der·er, nounre·pon·der, verb (used without object)un·pon·dered, adjectivewell-pondered, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ponder in a sentence

Ilya Samsonov, who shares a page with fellow goalie and offseason acquisition Henrik Lundqvist, is pictured fishing — and possibly pondering the meaning of life — near his home in Virginia.
Capitals’ 2021 calendar features relatable theme, with players at home during pandemic|Scott Allen|November 12, 2020|Washington Post
The NBA pondered that approach, but it wasn’t a television ratings hit to stage a summer playoff that spilled into the start of the NFL season.
Sports were a distraction from the pandemic. Now they’re being battered by it.|Jerry Brewer|November 12, 2020|Washington Post
Inspired by life in semi-lockdown, the artist’s recent work ponders — and transforms — the mundane and the domestic.
In the galleries: Referencing the revered Washington colorists and beyond|Mark Jenkins|November 6, 2020|Washington Post
The nation’s collective November malaise has caused many to ponder whether there’s a better way to do this thing.
Colorado joins 15 states in favor of popular vote in presidential elections|Nicole Goodkind|November 5, 2020|Fortune

In the past several months, selective K-12 schools across the country have begun pondering how to improve diversity, stirring controversy and strong feelings among residents.
Fairfax families sue over changes to Thomas Jefferson High’s admissions|Hannah Natanson|November 5, 2020|Washington Post
The air is thick with a certain pondering about the damage it could cause should it reach here.
Life on the Edge of Ebola's Hot Zone|Charlotte Lytton|August 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He prefers to create and leave the pondering for others to do.
The ‘Slow Web’ Movement Will Save Our Brains|Joshua Rivera|June 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Before tackling that question, it's worth pondering what kind of show Mad Men actually is.
Mad Men’s Dramatic Déjà Vu: ‘Time Zones’ Feels Redundant|Andrew Romano|April 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
That evening I took my usual walk in Washington Park, pondering over the occurrences of the day.
Read ‘The King in Yellow,’ the ‘True Detective’ Reference That’s the Key to the Show|Robert W. Chambers|February 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Secretary of State John Kerry pondering U.S. push for independence of South South Sudan and South South South Sudan.
P.J. O’Rourke on Foreign Policy and France, Hold the Swiss|P. J. O’Rourke|January 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After pondering over Mr. Blackbird's speech for a few moments he raised his head.
The Tale of Grandfather Mole|Arthur Scott Bailey
On this balcony, which stretched along the whole range of first-floor bedrooms, he stood for a while, pondering deeply.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
Tessa arranged her papers thoughtfully; she was pondering Grace Geers name for Mr. Towne.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline|Jennie M. Drinkwater
Etheldred awoke long before time for getting up, and lay pondering over her visions.
The Daisy Chain|Charlotte Yonge
While they were pondering over the matter, a company of ministers came to the place to hold another series of meetings.
The value of a praying mother|Isabel C. Byrum

British Dictionary definitions for ponder

ponder

/ (ˈpɒndə) /

verb

(when intr, sometimes foll by on or over) to give thorough or deep consideration (to); meditate (upon)

Word Origin for ponder

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

ponder

OTHER WORDS FOR ponder

Origin of ponder

OTHER WORDS FROM ponder

Words related to ponder

How to use ponder in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ponder

Word Origin for ponder