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ruminatively

ruminatively

7.9
In a slow, thoughtful way
  • adverb
  • /ˈrumɪnətɪvli/
translation icon : ruminativamente
  • My father chewed ruminatively.
  • chewed ruminatively

Examples

  • However, after much more explication, she said (ruminatively), "I don't know, I guess I'm getting to where I don't even think of him as a human being."

    Academic text (1992)
  • Tom swallows the last of his drink and stares ruminatively down at his glass.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • He studied me ruminatively.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Tom stares ruminatively at the sunset, lost in his thoughts about the past.

  • As she looked out the window, she pondered ruminatively the choices that had brought her here.

  • He sat in the armchair, thinking ruminatively about his next steps in life.

Synonyms

pensively
vsruminatively
3 7.0

In a quiet, serious way that shows deep thought and a little sadness

is more neutral and less tinged with sadness
reflectively
vsruminatively
3 4.8

In a way that shows careful thought before speaking or acting

is more deeply contemplative and intensely thoughtful
contemplatively
vsruminatively
1 6.8

In a quiet, thoughtful way

is stronger and more deeply absorbed in thought
musingly
vsruminatively
1 7.2

In a quiet way that shows someone is thinking hard

is more deeply reflective and intense in thinking
introspectively
vsruminatively
1 7.3

When a person looks carefully at their own thoughts and feelings

is more outwardly reflective rather than self examining
broodingly
vsruminatively
1 7.1

In a deep, sad way while thinking

is reflective but without the heavy gloom or moodiness

Antonyms

49 3.5

In a quick, careless way

20 1.0

In a way that you do something without thinking or paying attention

How Thoughtfully

ruminatively
7.9
reflectively
3 4.8
thoughtfully
43 3.7
casually
103 2.5
superficially
14 5.3

Surface Forms

ruminatively positive

Morphology

ruminatively = ruminative (transparent) = ruminate + ive + ly

A standard adverb formed from the adjective 'ruminative' by adding -ly; the resulting meaning is the adverbial form of that adjective.

Etymology

Ruminatively comes from the Latin ruminare, which means 'to chew the cud', what cows do when they slowly chew and swallow their food again. So to be ruminative or to act ruminatively is like 'chewing' your thoughts slowly and carefully, which is why the word means to think deeply.