Rumination   (pronounced roo-muh-nay-shun) noun


Definition

noun from the verb ruminate.

RUMINATE (pronounced roo-muh-nayt) =
to turn (something) over in the mind repeatedly; to ponder or contemplate; to reflect on a matter endlessly; to meditate on.

Main Example

  • In the wake of the Columbia space shuttle tragedy, there has been extensive rumination in the media on man's exploration of space. Numerous segments on radio, TV, and in the press have reflected on the many space-related accomplishments since the launch of Soviet Sputnik in 1957; the occasional high profile setbacks along the way; where the U.S. space program is now headed; and the inherent risks involved in manned space flight.

    Workplace Examples

  • No, I'm not taking this action just because of last week's incident. It's something that I have been ruminating on for months.

  • I dropped by your office earlier this morning, but you looked so lost in thought that I decided not to disturb you. Well . . . what were you ruminating on? Your new celebrity status in the company?

    Other Examples

  • you dismissing somebody's commentaries as "ruminations of a die-hard doomsayer"

  • to foil the next crime by an elusive and dangerous criminal, an FBI unit doing a rumination on his state of mind--trying to get inside his head

  • a natural history museum exhibit on man's social and cultural evolution encouraging visitors to ruminate on what our society will be like in a few hundred years

  • some of the proposed designs for the World Trade Center memorial incorporating areas designated for rumination: one highly favored plan features "reflection strips" -- fingers of land jutting into the Hudson River -- where people will be able to sit on benches or walk amid groves and ruminate on the Sept. 11 tragedy

    © 2003 V.J. Singal

    This Month's Other Words

    Vituperative
    Predilection
    Sycophantic
    Intemperate and Temperate
    Disaffection
    Foment
    Disavow

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