Literary notes about Ruminative (AI summary)
In literature, the word "ruminative" is often used to evoke a mood of deep, reflective contemplation that characterizes both moments of thought and the inner disposition of characters. It frequently appears to describe a deliberate pause or a thoughtful gaze, suggesting that a character is lost in introspection—as when a lawyer muses over legal surprises, or when a character’s eyes reveal gentle, internal processing of emotions [1, 2]. Authors use it to create an atmosphere of measured stillness and subtle intensity, whether indicating a forlorn pause, a critical, pensive look, or even a quietly amused, reflective attitude [3, 4, 5]. This careful use of "ruminative" serves to deepen the portrayal of characters and enrich the narrative tone with a palpable sense of inner life.
- “The practice of the legal profession,” said the Judge, after a brief period devoted to the ruminative processes, “is full of surprises.”
— from An Alabaster Box by Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman - She gazed steadily at the glowing coals, ruminative, reflective.
— from Antony Gray,—Gardener by Leslie Moore - “Good,” concluded the Indian, after a ruminative pause.
— from The Blazed Trail by Stewart Edward White - “You see”—her tone became ruminative and confidential—“if I give you my name and you report it, there’ll be all kinds of a mix-up.
— from Success: A Novel by Samuel Hopkins Adams - The sheriff relapsed into his ruminative manner as he led the way back to the house.
— from Starr, of the Desert by B. M. Bower
