Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words
Definition of Pondering - 3 dictionary results

pon⋅der

  [pon-der]
Use Pondering in a Sentence
–verb (used without object)
1. to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate (often fol. by over or upon).
–verb (used with object)
2. to weigh carefully in the mind; consider thoughtfully: He pondered his next words thoroughly.
Origin:
1300–50; ME pondren < MF ponderer < L ponderāre to ponder, weigh; akin to pendēre to be suspended, hang (see pend )

Related forms:
pon⋅der⋅er, noun

Synonyms:
1. reflect, cogitate, deliberate, ruminate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Pondering
pon·der   (pŏn'dər)   
v.   pon·dered, pon·der·ing, pon·ders

v.   tr.
To weigh in the mind with thoroughness and care.
v.   intr.
To reflect or consider with thoroughness and care.

[Middle English ponderen, from Old French ponderer, from Latin ponderāre, from pondus, ponder-, weight; see (s)pen- in Indo-European roots.]
pon'der·er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

ponder 
c.1330, "to estimate the worth of, to appraise," from O.Fr. ponderare "to weigh, poise," from L. ponderare "to ponder, to consider," lit. "to weigh," from pondus (gen. ponderis) "weigh" (see pound (1)). Meaning "to weigh a matter mentally" is attested from c.1380.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see Pondering on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way