# dwell on

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dwell-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to spend a lot of time thinking or talking about something, especially something bad or unpleasant.

For teachers: to linger over or obsessively focus on a specific subject, typically a past mistake or a negative event.

## Examples

- Don't dwell on your mistakes; just learn from them.
- She tended to dwell on the argument for days, replayng every word in her head.
- While it is necessary to acknowledge historical failures, we must not dwell on them to the point of paralysis.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He dwells in his past failures." but "He dwells on his past failures." — use 'dwell on' for thoughts; 'dwell in' is a literal, archaic term for living in a physical place.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun phrase representing a negative past event or a worry.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'think about' (neutral) and 'brood over' (more emotional/moody); 'dwell on' implies a repetitive, unproductive mental loop.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.