What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rumination
Example
She couldn't stop her ruminations about the argument she had with her friend. [rumination: noun]
Example
He tends to ruminate over his past mistakes, which affects his self-esteem. [ruminate: verb]
reflection
Example
After the breakup, she spent some time in reflection to understand what went wrong. [reflection: noun]
Example
He reflected on his actions and realized he could have handled the situation better. [reflected: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reflection is more commonly used than rumination in everyday language. Reflection is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while rumination is more specific and often used in psychology or mental health contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between rumination and reflection?
Both rumination and reflection can be used in formal and informal contexts, but reflection is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
