Word
ponder
Phoneticspon·der, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɑndɝ/
UK/pˈɒndɐ/
Definitions
01to think carefully
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.
“He sat by the window to ponder his future after finishing university.”
“The board of directors took several days to ponder the implications of the merger before issuing a formal statement to the press.”
Synonyms
02a period of thought
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Informal · British English
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'.
“I'll have a ponder about your suggestion and let you know tomorrow.”
“After a long ponder over the map, the hikers decided to take the shorter route back to the village.”
Synonyms
Usage
The verb can be used transitively with a direct object or intransitively followed by 'on' or 'over'.
Pitfall
I pondered about the problem
I pondered the problem
While 'ponder on' or 'ponder over' are common, 'ponder about' is generally considered incorrect; the verb is most often used transitively.
Real-World Examples
“In his address, the US president pondered whether a peace deal would be agreed or whether he would have to take extreme action against Iran.” “For all that, it’s still an Ayckbourn, which means you will laugh and you will be left with much to ponder.” Etymology
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.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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