What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rumination
Example
After the breakup, she spent hours ruminating on what went wrong. [ruminating: gerund or present participle]
Example
His constant rumination on his failures was affecting his mental health. [rumination: noun]
contemplation
Example
She sat in quiet contemplation, watching the sunset over the ocean. [contemplation: noun]
Example
Before accepting the job offer, he spent some time in contemplation, weighing the pros and cons. [contemplation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contemplation is more commonly used than rumination in everyday language. Contemplation is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while rumination is less common and often used in psychology or mental health discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rumination and contemplation?
While rumination is typically associated with a clinical or technical tone, contemplation is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wide range of situations.
