mull over — to think about something carefully and for a long time before making a decision
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to think about something carefully and for a long time before making a decision
Pronunciation (IPA): /mʌl ˈoʊvər/
Example Sentences
- I need to mull over whether to quit my job and become a professional Netflix watcher.
- Let me mull over your marriage proposal... for about 10 years.
- The board will mull over the budget proposal next week.
mull over
NOUN[/mʌl ˈoʊvər/]
to think about something carefully and for a long time before making a decision
She sits by the window to mull over the job offer all evening.
Pull over to mull over maps scattered all over
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The verb 'mull' originated in Middle English around the 14th century, initially meaning 'to grind into powder' or 'to pulverize', likely from a Germanic or Dutch source related to grinding grain. The sense evolved metaphorically from the physical act of grinding to the intellectual process of thoroughly examining or pondering a matter repeatedly.
Breakdown
mull (to grind, pulverize) + over (above, repeatedly). The particle 'over' intensifies the sense of repetitive, thorough consideration, as if turning something over and over in one's mind like grain being ground repeatedly.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I need to mull over whether to quit my job and become a professional Netflix watcher.”
“Let me mull over your marriage proposal... for about 10 years.”
“The board will mull over the budget proposal next week.”
“She mulled over the investment opportunity for weeks before deciding.”
📚Related Words
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