ponder
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to think about something deeply and carefully, often for a long time.
v.to consider something thoroughly and at length, often before reaching a conclusion or decision.
Simple“He sat by the window to ponder his future after finishing university.”
In context“The board of directors took several days to ponder the implications of the merger before issuing a formal statement to the press.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'on' or 'over', though it can also take a direct object.
Teacher's tipWhile 'think about' is more common, 'ponder' suggests a much slower, more serious process.
Synonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
n.a short time spent thinking deeply about something.
n.a period of deep or deliberate contemplation. Informal in register; typically follows 'have a' or 'go for a'.
Simple“I'll have a ponder about your suggestion and let you know tomorrow.”
In context“After a long ponder over the map, the hikers decided to take the shorter route back to the village.”
UsageUsually appears in the phrase 'have a ponder'.
Teacher's tipThis noun use is much less common than the verb and is mostly heard in British English.
Synonyms
From Middle English ponderen, from Old French ponderer (“to weigh, balance, ponder”) from Latin ponderāre (“to weigh, ponder”), from pondus (“weight”), from pendere (“to weigh”); see pendent and pound.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.