What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ruminative
Example
She was in a ruminative mood after the breakup. [ruminative: adjective]
Example
He spent the afternoon in a ruminative state, pondering his life choices. [ruminative: noun]
contemplative
Example
The monk spent hours in contemplative prayer. [contemplative: adjective]
Example
She had a contemplative personality, always seeking to understand the deeper meaning of things. [contemplative: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contemplative is more commonly used than ruminative in everyday language. Contemplative is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ruminative is less common and may have a more negative connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ruminative and contemplative?
Both ruminative and contemplative are relatively formal words, but contemplative is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
