'ruminate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ruminari,' where 'rumen' meant 'throat' or 'gullet.'

'ruminari' transformed into the French word 'ruminer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ruminate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to chew the cud,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to think deeply or repeatedly about something.'