ruminate

UK: ˈruː.mɪ.neɪt | US: ˈruː.mə.neɪt

Definition

  1. vi. to think deeply about something

  2. vt. (of animals) to chew cud again

Structure
rumin <chew cud/reflect>ate <verb suffix>rumin <chew cud/reflect>ate <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word "ruminate" originally described the digestive process of cows and other ruminants, who regurgitate and re-chew their food. By the 16th century, it evolved metaphorically to describe human thought—comparing the mental process of revisiting ideas to an animal’s physical chewing. This dual meaning highlights the connection between biological repetition and contemplative reflection.

Examples

  1. She sat quietly, ruminating on the day’s events.

  2. Cows ruminate to fully digest their food.

  3. He ruminated for hours before making a decision.

  4. The professor encouraged students to ruminate on the text.

  5. Observing the goats ruminate was oddly calming.