PsychologySeptember 2, 2026

ruminating

ROO-muh-nay-ting

Definition

To engage in repetitive, persistent, and often anxious thinking about one's problems or worries.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'ruminare,' which originally meant to chew the cud, like a cow does; it evolved metaphorically to describe chewing over or mentally revisiting thoughts repeatedly.

In the news

The article describes reading as a way to quiet a 'ruminating mind,' suggesting that deep immersion in a book can distract a person from the cycle of persistent, circular worry.

The psychology of why reading makes us smarter and happier, and why one half of that is firmer than the other

Read the full article ↗

Silicon Canals

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