Word
pondering
Phoneticspon·der·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɑndɝɪŋ/
UK/pˈɒndəɹɪŋ/
Definition
adj. thinking about something very carefully for a long time. You use this to describe someone who is deep in thought.
adj. engaged in deep, serious, or quiet reflection. Often used as a participial adjective to describe a person's state or facial expression.
Examples
“He sat by the window with a pondering look on his face.”
“After reading the difficult letter, she spent the rest of the afternoon in a pondering mood.”
“The philosopher remained silent for several minutes, his pondering expression suggesting that he was weighing the ethical implications of the question before providing an answer.”
Examples
simple
“He sat by the window with a pondering look on his face.”
contextual
“After reading the difficult letter, she spent the rest of the afternoon in a pondering mood.”
complex
“The philosopher remained silent for several minutes, his pondering expression suggesting that he was weighing the ethical implications of the question before providing an answer.”
Usage
Often follows linking verbs like 'remain' or 'seem', or modifies nouns like 'look', 'expression', or 'silence'.
Real-World Examples
“On the Science desk, Victoria Jaggard spends her days pondering the universe’s most pressing mysteries.” “It is worth pondering whether this is a temporary status quo, or likely to continue to be the case.” “Liverpool are pondering a third bid for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh while they continue to talk with Paris Saint-Germain over Ibrahim Mbaye and Barcola.” - 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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