Dictionary

ruminative en · ADJ

Pronunciation

• /ˈruməˌneɪdɪv/
• /ˈrumənətɪv/

Etymology

Etymology tree English ruminate Proto-Indo-European *-wós Proto-Indo-European *-iHwósder. Latin -īvus Old French -ifbor. Middle English -yf English -ive English ruminative From ruminate + -ive.

Meanings

1. Causing rumination or prone to it; thoughtful.
   • The ruminative 'cello uttered two phrases of its own and then began a dialogue with the viola. 1970, Patrick O'Brian, Master and Commander:
   • They waited expectantly while he directed a ruminative yawn toward the white smiling moon. 1922, F. Scott Fitzgerald, chapter 5, in The Beautiful and Damned, archived from the original on 05 Mar 2011:
   • I found that the chore of reorganizing the artifacts of my professional life was pleasantly ruminative. It had a tonic effect, because it allowed me to reflect on the changes in my views over the years. 2010, Diane Ravitch, The Death and Life of the Great American School System, page 1:
   • ‘It happened,’ returned the man, with a ruminative air, as he drew his right hand across his chin, and dipped the other in the pocket of his rough outer coat, ‘it happened somewhere about here as I reckon. I don’t think it can have been a mile from here.’ 1864, Charles Dickens, chapter 12, in Our Mutual Friend, archived from the original on 08 Apr 2011:
2. (of an animal) Relating to or characteristic of ruminants; chewing the cud.

Forms

Antonyms

impulsive · careless · unthinking

Deriveds

ruminatively

Relateds

reflective · contemplative

Synonyms

ruminous · pensive · thoughtful · meditative · reflective