ponder

[pon-der]

verb (used without object)

1. to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate (often followed by over orupon ).

   Synonyms: ruminate, deliberate, cogitate, reflect

verb (used with object)

1. to weigh carefully in the mind; consider thoughtfully.

   He pondered his next words thoroughly.

ponder

/ ˈpɒndə /

verb

1. to give thorough or deep consideration (to); meditate (upon)

Other Word Forms

• ponderer noun
• reponder verb (used without object)
• unpondered adjective
• well-pondered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ponder¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English pondren, from Middle French ponderer, from Latin ponderāre “to weigh, reflect on,” derivative of pondus “weight”; akin to pendēre “to be suspended, hang” ( pend )

Word History and Origins

Origin of ponder¹

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

Example Sentences

Watching “I Know This Much Is True” invites those of us keeping up with the latest TV releases to ponder how much prestige series productions worship tragedy – violent, miserable, and plain old funky.

From Salon

Twenty years later, Daniels and his co-creator, Michael Koman, ponder a similar notion regarding one paper: The Toledo Truth Teller, an Ohio daily with a storied legacy.

From Salon

Until late in life, he was still pondering who that successor might be.

From Los Angeles Times

You have to ponder how the decision will affect the club's future.

From BBC

Asked if he thought his performance Thursday would cause scouts to ponder which is his best sport, he called it “a good start.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• consider 
• contemplate 
• deliberate 
• evaluate 
• examine 
• mull 
• mull over 
• puzzle over www.thesaurus.com
• reflect 
• speculate 
• weigh