ruminative
adj/ˈruməˌneɪdɪv/ · /ˈrumənətɪv/
Etymology From ruminate + -ive.
1
Causing rumination or prone to it; thoughtful.
- They waited expectantly while he directed a ruminative yawn toward the white smiling moon.1922, F. Scott Fitzgerald, chapter 5, in The Beautiful and Damned, archived from the original on 05 Mar 2011:
- ‘It happened,’ returned the man, with a ruminative air, as he drew his right hand across his chin, and dipped the other in the pocket of his rough outer coat, ‘it happened somewhere about here as I reckon. I don’t think it can have been a mile from here.’1864, Charles Dickens, chapter 12, in Our Mutual Friend, archived from the original on 08 Apr 2011:
2 more examples
- The ruminative 'cello uttered two phrases of its own and then began a dialogue with the viola.1970, Patrick O'Brian, Master and Commander:
- I found that the chore of reorganizing the artifacts of my professional life was pleasantly ruminative. It had a tonic effect, because it allowed me to reflect on the changes in my views over the years.2010, Diane Ravitch, The Death and Life of the Great American School System, page 1:
2
Of an animal Relating to or characteristic of ruminants; chewing the cud.
- Derived terms
- ruminatively
- Related terms
- contemplative, reflective