mull over
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To think deeply and at length about something; to ponder or consider carefully: "mull over" means to reflect on a topic, idea, or situation thoughtfully and often for an extended period before making a decision or reaching a conclusion.
Usage
- The verb "mull over" is transitive and requires a direct object (the thing being considered). It describes a deliberate, often slow, process of contemplation.
- It is commonly used in both personal and formal contexts to indicate careful thought.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "to mull something over": The object (the thing being considered) can be placed between "mull" and "over," especially with pronouns or short noun phrases.
- He gave me the contract to mull it over at home.
- Let me mull that idea over for a bit.
Variants and Related Words
- Mull (verb): Can be used alone as a synonym, though "mull over" is more common. "Mull" can also mean to heat, sweeten, and spice (a beverage, especially wine or ale).
- Ponder (verb): To think about something carefully.
- Contemplate (verb): To look at or consider with continued attention.
- Ruminate (verb): To think deeply about something; this word also has a literal meaning related to animal digestion.
Synonyms
- Ponder
- Contemplate
- Ruminate
- Reflect on
- Meditate on
- Chew over (idiomatic)
Related Phrasal Verbs / Idioms
- Chew over: An informal idiom with a very similar meaning to "mull over."
- We spent the lunch hour chewing over the problem.
- Turn over in one's mind: Another idiom expressing deep consideration.
- He turned the problem over in his mind for days.
Verb
- reflect deeply on a subject
- I mulled over the events of the afternoon
- philosophers have speculated on the question of God for thousands of years
- The scientist must stop to observe and start to excogitate