반추하다
To ruminate on or reflect deeply upon past events or thoughts. Originally meaning to chew cud like a cow, it is used metaphorically for deep contemplation.
Examples
3 of 5역사를 반추하며 미래를 설계해야 한다.
We must design the future while reflecting on history.
고전의 의미를 다시금 반추하게 된다.
I come to reflect again on the meaning of the classics.
실패를 반추하는 과정이 성장에 도움이 된다.
The process of ruminating on failure helps growth.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a cow 'chewing' the same grass again — thinking the same thought again and again.
Quick Quiz
과거의 실수를 ( ) 같은 잘못을 반복하지 마라.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 반추하여
Examples
역사를 반추하며 미래를 설계해야 한다.
academicWe must design the future while reflecting on history.
고전의 의미를 다시금 반추하게 된다.
formalI come to reflect again on the meaning of the classics.
실패를 반추하는 과정이 성장에 도움이 된다.
businessThe process of ruminating on failure helps growth.
그녀는 헤어진 연인과의 대화를 반추했다.
informalShe ruminated on the conversation with her ex-lover.
작가는 작품을 통해 인간의 본성을 반추한다.
academicThe author reflects on human nature through the work.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
반추 동물
ruminant animal (e.g., cow)
반추의 시간
time of reflection
깊이 반추하다
to reflect deeply
Often Confused With
회상하다 is simply remembering, while 반추하다 implies thinking over something repeatedly to gain deeper meaning.
Usage Notes
Often used in literature, philosophy, and self-help contexts.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using it for simple memory tasks; it requires a level of deep thought.
Memory Tip
Think of a cow 'chewing' the same grass again — thinking the same thought again and again.
Word Origin
From Hanja 反 (repeat/return) + 芻 (grass/fodder).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
과거의 실수를 ( ) 같은 잘못을 반복하지 마라.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 반추하여
Related Vocabulary
More humanities words
표상하다
B2To represent or symbolize an idea, object, or feeling through an image or a specific form. It refers to the mental or artistic representation of reality.
조명하다
B2To shed light on a subject or to examine it from a specific perspective. Originally meaning 'to illuminate', it's widely used metaphorically in research.
신화
B1A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free