# pondering

/ˈpɑndɝɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈɒndəɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pondering
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

thinking about something very carefully for a long time. You use this to describe someone who is deep in thought.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often follows linking verbs like 'remain' or 'seem', or modifies nouns like 'look', 'expression', or 'silence'.

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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.