mull over
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To think slowly and carefully about something important before deciding.
Literal meaning: 'Mull' originally meant to grind or mix (as in spiced wine) — the sense of slowly working something over is retained metaphorically.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To think about something carefully and at length, especially before making a decision.
"She mulled over the job offer for a week before finally saying yes."
"I've been mulling it over for a few days."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Common in both British and American English. Implies a leisurely, thoughtful process rather than urgent deliberation. Often followed by 'it' as in 'mull it over.' Can be separated: 'Let me mull this over.'
Commonly used with
decision offer idea proposal question options
Forms
Base
mull over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
mulls over
he/she/it
Past simple
mulled over
yesterday
Past participle
mulled over
have + pp
-ing form
mulling over
continuous
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Synonyms
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