Using Your Head: 15 Different Ways to Say "Think"
Like many other basic English verbs, "think" has several useful synonyms. Each word has its own nuance and situations in which it should be used. So it's a good idea to learn all of them so you have the most appropriate word for the occasion.
Think over
"Think over" includes the nuance that someone is carefully comparing the positive and negative points of something before making a decision.
- Jane hasn't told us if he's joining the camping trip yet; she's still thinking it over.
Mull over
This is a more informal way of saying "think over."
- I'll give you some time to mull it over. There's no need for you to decide now.
Contemplate
"Contemplate" implies careful or deep thinking about something. Rather than simple decisions, it's often used when thinking about deep topics or things that cannot be fully understood.
- She looked up at the stars and contemplated the mysteries of outer space.
Ponder
Similar to contemplate, "ponder" implies deep thought. Although it is not a formal word, it has a slightly poetic feeling.
- I get inspired to paint by pondering nature from my favorite spot in the park.
Consider
"Consider" can be used instead of "think about." It is often used in the imperative form.
- Please consider our proposal and contact us when you are ready to continue the negotiations.
It is also used as an alternative to "realize."
- Sarah had an interesting idea that we hadn't considered before.
Reflect (on)
We "reflect" when we think about something in the past.
- Before I go to bed, I like to reflect on what happened during the day and think about what I can do better tomorrow.
Chew on
"Chew" is the verb we use for cutting and grinding food with our teeth in order to swallow it. But when it's used with "on," it's a casual phrasal verb for thinking about something.
- I've been chewing on the advice she gave me yesterday.
- The documentary gave me a lot to chew on.
Ruminate (on)
"Ruminating" is thinking about something over and over again.
- The president ruminated on the possible effects of his decision.
Reckon
This word is common in the southern states of the US as well as in countries where British English is spoken. It's used when someone has reached a conclusion or opinion after thinking about a situation.
- If we take my truck, I reckon we can get there in about an hour and 15 minutes.
- I think we should accept their proposal. What do you reckon?
Related article: How Are UK and US Communication Styles Different?
Weigh
Imagine two choices on opposite sides of a scale. When you think about the good points and bad points of each, you can say that you are "weighing" the choices.
- It didn't take much time for us to weigh the options; the decision was easy.
Deliberate (over)
As a verb, we use "deliberate" to refer to a careful process of thought or discussion in order to reach a decision.
- The members of the jury deliberated all afternoon, discussing different details of the court case.
- It's hard for me to make decisions quickly; I need to deliberate over everything before I can make a choice!
Meditate (on)
Meditation is generally thought of as a spiritual activity of calming and focusing the mind. But even when it is not related to religion or mindfulness, you can use it as a synonym for deep thought.
- I encourage everyone to meditate on the events of the past week. What can we learn from our experience?
Dwell on
"Dwell" is a verb that means "to live or stay" in a place. As a phrasal verb with "on," it means to keep thinking (or talking) about something. This is usually used for topics that are negative or unpleasant.
- It's important to learn from our mistakes, but dwelling on them is unhealthy.
Entertain
You "entertain" something when you give it attention or thought.
- The boss didn't immediately agree to our suggestion, but he said he will at least entertain it.
Turn something over in one’s mind
This expression means giving serious thought to something, usually over a long period of time.
- John turned the business proposal over in his mind during his flight home.
Wrap-up
There is more than one way of thinking about things; sometimes the action is quick, but in other situations, more time is needed. Additionally, are the thoughts about something logical and real or about something large and abstract?
Depending on the specific situation, some words and expressions may be a better fit than others. Try using alternatives for "think" with a tutor or your English-speaking friends and you will gradually learn the natural ways each is used.
