ponder
PON-duh
Ponder (verb) means to think about something carefully and for a long time. Example: “She sat by the window, pondering her next move.”
verb
1
To think about something carefully and for a long time.
"She sat by the window, pondering her next move."
"He pondered the question before finally answering."
How to use ponder
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo think deeply and carefully about something before deciding or answering.
Common pairings
ponder a question
ponder over something
pause to ponder
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Word forms
- Plural
- ponders
- Third person singular
- ponders
- Past tense
- pondered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She sat by the window, _____ her next move.
Etymology
From Old French ponderer, "to weigh," from Latin ponderāre, from pondus ("weight") — to ponder is literally to "weigh" an idea in your mind.
Synonyms
View more →
cogitate
deliberate
afterthink
agitate
bethink
call to mind
chew
chew over
chew the cud
consider
contemplate
introspect
Related words
Rhymes for ponder
See all rhymes for ponder →Frequently asked questions
What does “ponder” mean?
The word “ponder” means to think about something carefully and for a long time. In plain terms, to think deeply and carefully about something before deciding or answering.
How do you pronounce “ponder”?
“Ponder” is pronounced PON-duh (/ˈpɑn.dəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ponder” in a sentence?
Here is “ponder” used in a sentence: “She sat by the window, pondering her next move.”
What is another word for “ponder”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ponder” include cogitate, deliberate, afterthink, agitate, bethink and call to mind.
What part of speech is “ponder”?
“Ponder” is a verb.
Where does the word “ponder” come from?
The word “ponder” comes from Latin. From Old French ponderer, "to weigh," from Latin ponderāre, from pondus ("weight") — to ponder is literally to "weigh" an idea in your mind.
Is “ponder” a common word?
“Ponder” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
