Ruminantly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that suggests thoughtful consideration or reflection, often involving persistent contemplation on a subject or idea throughout a period of time
2. Acting in a fashion that implies a deep and ongoing process of thinking about something, often revisiting it mentally to explore its significance
3. In a style showing continued and focused mental consideration of a topic or question

Etymology: "Ruminantly" is simply the adverb form of "ruminant," with "-ly" added to turn the adjective into a manner adverb. The adjective "ruminant" is the older and more interesting half of the pair. It comes from Latin "ruminare," meaning to chew the cud, a term rooted in "rumen," the first stomach of cattle and other grazing animals. Ruminants are the animals that regurgitate and rechew their food, which is where the literal sense began. Figurative use of "ruminant" to describe a mind that turns something over slowly, as a cow works through grass, follows naturally from that physical image. The adverb carries the same mental sense, describing an action done in the manner of someone deep in contemplation.

Synonyms: thoughtfully, contemplatively, introspectively, meditatively, reflectively