to think over
8
3.0
- phrasal verb
:
reflexionar sobre
- She decided to think over his proposal before making a final decision.
And one of the things that you should think over, and I'm just going to leave this as.
- And one of the things that you should think over, and I'm just going to leave this as.
- So Hladek is thinking over his work.
Examples
-
Tony, think over what I said, would you?
-
That will give you a good chance to think over what I've said.
-
A few things I must think over first.
-
Because I am giving you this night to think over what I am about to tell you.
-
Sometimes I have to think over matters before I make a decision.
Academic text (2013) -
I've been thinking over everything you said, and, um, I made my decision.
-
Betty suggests taking some time to think over the pros and cons.
Fiction book (2000) -
His razor-sharp questions left me stumped, yet eager to think over my assumptions more deeply.
Blog text (5) -
"I've been thinking over all you said," she began, while Minnie, still in her bathrobe, blinked away sleep.
Fiction book (1991) -
Before choosing a college, I need to think over all my options carefully.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
Study something carefully to understand it or decide
∞
1.0
To give attention to something in your mind
∞
1.1
To think carefully before making a decision
265
3.9
To think carefully about something before making a decision
215
3.7
To think carefully about different things before deciding
186
4.8
To think deeply about something for a long time
134
4.3
Think carefully for a long time about something
120
4.0
To think carefully about something and what it means
107
3.6
Carefully consider something before you act to avoid a mistake
105
3.2
To look at all the details and what may happen before you decide
104
4.4
To sit quietly and focus your mind to relax or think deeply
45
3.9
To plan something carefully before you do it
43
4.4
To think about something very carefully before deciding
36
4.7
Think carefully for a long time before making a decision
35
6.1
To think about something carefully for a long time
19
4.0
To think carefully about something before deciding
14
3.9
To think carefully about something for a while before deciding
10
7.6
To think carefully about something for a long time
8
3.8
Think carefully about different choices before you decide
4
4.1
Think carefully about something before deciding
3
4.1
To think about or talk about something carefully for a long time
3
8.5
To think carefully and deeply about something
2
4.4
Carefully think about and compare options before deciding
1
4.1
To think carefully about something for a long time
To think very carefully to find a new idea or solution
Carefully examine and discuss a topic, often when it is difficult or unpleasant
To think about something slowly and in a relaxed way
Antonyms
How Thorough
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'to consider carefully' is built from 'think' (to use one's mind) plus the particle 'over', which here contributes a sense of thoroughness or going through something; a learner who knows both words could plausibly infer the overall idea. However, phrasal-verb particles are metaphorical and vary across contexts and languages, so the exact nuance is not fully predictable without exposure, making this semi-transparent.
Etymology
The phrasal verb think over comes from the simple image of turning an idea over in your head, like turning an object to see all its sides. That's why it means 'to consider something carefully' before deciding.