Which term describes the act of thinking something over repeatedly?

The term that best describes the act of thinking something over repeatedly is "ruminate." Ruminating involves a deep and often prolonged focus on a particular thought or issue, allowing a person to explore various aspects and feelings associated with that thought. This process can lead to the consideration of different perspectives or outcomes, often leading to introspection or a deeper understanding of the topic at hand.

While "ponder," "contemplate," and "meditate" also deal with thinking, they do not specifically emphasize the repetitive nature of the thought process. Pondering tends to suggest more of a momentary or casual exploration of ideas, while contemplation often implies a more deliberate and structured consideration of a subject but does not convey the idea of repetition. Meditation, on the other hand, typically refers to a practice aimed at achieving mental clarity and relaxation, and does not inherently focus on the analytical, repetitive thinking that characterizes rumination. Thus, "ruminate" is the most accurate term for this specific cognitive behavior.