Which verb means to think deeply or ponder?

• A. Didactic
• B. Disparage
• C. Cogitate
• D. Cursory

Answer: (C)

Thinking deeply or pondering is captured by the verb cogitate. It comes from Latin cogitare, to think, and it’s used to describe deliberate, careful contemplation of a problem or idea. The other words are about different ideas: didactic means designed to instruct or teach, often with a moral aim; disparage means to belittle or speak badly about something; cursory describes something done quickly and without thoroughness. So when you want to express slow, thoughtful consideration, cogitate is the precise choice. For example: “She cogitated over the proposal for days before deciding.”