© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

ruminate

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈruː.mɪ.neɪt/

KK: /ˈrumɪneɪt/

intransitive verb
Definition

To think carefully and for a long period about something.


Example

After the meeting, she needed some time to ruminate on the decisions made.


Tense Forms

Past: ruminated

Past Participle: ruminated


Conversation
Sloth A
I often ruminate about my future plans on long walks.
Sloth B
That sounds nice! Walking can really clear your mind.
Sloth A
Yeah, I find it helps me ruminate without distractions.
Sloth B
Definitely! Sometimes I need that quiet time to think things through.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ponder
muse
reflect
Antonyms
ignore
dismiss
neglect
transitive verb
Definition

To think carefully and for a long period about something.


Example

She likes to ruminate on her decisions before making a choice.


Tense Forms

Past: ruminated

Past Participle: ruminated


Conversation
Sloth A
I've been trying to ruminate on my goals for next year.
Sloth B
That's a great idea! It really helps to clarify what you want.
Sloth A
Yeah, I find that I often get distracted and forget to think about it.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Ruminate → It is formed from "ruminare" (meaning to chew over) which comes from "rumen" (meaning throat or gullet). The word describes the act of thinking deeply or contemplating, akin to how certain animals chew their cud repeatedly.

Memory Tip

Think of the process of animals 'chewing over' their food again and again, which helps you remember that 'ruminate' means to think deeply or reflect.

Visually Confused Words
ruinate
pruinate
luminate
unruminated
ferruminate
verminate
terminate
runcinate
Is this page helpful?
Totally, taking time to ruminate can make a big difference.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ponder
contemplate
mull
Antonyms
ignore
dismiss
neglect