Definition

1. 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

1. 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