Ruminatively

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner characteristic of deep reflection, one engages in thoughtful consideration that often involves revisiting previous thoughts and ideas
2. Exhibiting a thoughtful approach, the action of pondering reflects on past thoughts and insights through an extended mental process
3. In a manner that demonstrates careful contemplation, a person engages in the process of reflecting on earlier thoughts and experiences with depth and attention

Etymology: "Ruminatively" is simply "ruminative" with the adverbial ending "-ly" attached, and "ruminative" itself comes from "ruminate." The verb "ruminate" comes from Latin "ruminare," meaning to chew the cud, the process by which cattle and other grazing animals bring swallowed food back up to chew again. The Latin sense moved from the animal's stomach to the human mind, so that to ruminate became to turn something over slowly and repeatedly, the way a cow works through its grass. The "-ive" in "ruminative" turns the verb into an adjective describing a tendency or quality, and "-ly" then adds the sense of manner. So "ruminatively" describes doing something in that unhurried, circling way: a person thinking back over earlier events with patience rather than in a rush.

Synonyms: reflectively, pensively

Antonyms: unreflectively