ponder

[ pon-der ]

/ ˈpɒn dər /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR ponder 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.

Words nearby ponder

pond lily, pond scum, pond snail, pond-apple, pond-skater, ponder, ponderable, ponderosa pine, ponderous, pondicherry, pondo

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)

SYNONYMS FOR ponder

1 reflect, cogitate, deliberate, ruminate.

SEE SYNONYMS FOR ponder ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM ponder

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for pondering

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
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
These oddball questions will have you pondering life, luck, and pizza delivery men.
Can You Answer These 10 Oddball Job Interview Questions Asked at America’s Top Tech Companies?|Brian Ries|January 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST

I sat on the steps leading to Damascus gate which leads to the Muslim Quarter pondering the events I had just missed.
Is This What God Had In Mind For Jerusalem Day?|Elisheva Goldberg|May 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Night and day he had been examining evidence, pondering the difficulties to be overcome, and the chances of success.
The Catholic World, Vol. X, October 1869|Various
This, after some pondering, I concluded to represent Pygmalion, as he awaited the quickening of his statue.
Phantastes|George MacDonald
His imaginary world was peopled by women with pale faces and luxuriant auburn hair, pondering upon the mysteries of the universe.
The Book of Art for Young People|Agnes Conway
Then, pondering, take thou home this rhyme— The grave next opened may be thine.
Gleanings in Graveyards|Horatio Edward Norfolk
After a time he grew quiet, and going to the window, seemed to be pondering some plan.
Belford's Magazine, Vol. II, No. 3, February 1889|Various

British Dictionary definitions for pondering

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

verb (used without object)

verb (used with object)

Words related to ponder

Words nearby ponder

Origin of ponder

SYNONYMS FOR ponder

OTHER WORDS FROM ponder

Examples from the Web for pondering

British Dictionary definitions for pondering

verb

Word Origin for ponder