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What would be a good word to fit in this sentence:
I have this idea that I've been [...] for some time now.
Somehow, "thinking about" doesn't seem like a good choice here. I'm looking for a word that would mean something like "processing in my mind".
A possible single word that fits your request is
ponder
I have this idea that I've been pondering for some time now.
He pondered the various possibilities before acting.
He thought about what to do beforehand
For two words
mulling over
would be appropriate.
Depends what sort of idea and what sort of thinking. Possibilities include: thinking about, considering, mulling over, dreading, working on, debating ... probably dozens more.
I can suggest two words:
Hatch v. tr.(used figuratively)
to contrive or devise (a scheme, plot, etc)
Devise v. tr.,which means
Plan or invent (a complex procedure, system, or mechanism) by careful thought. But I believe the variants are unlimited.
for one word, I would use "cogitating". From the word "cogitate", it means to think on or think around a subject matter. One synonym for this is also "ponder", so I would also agree with Peter.
Depending on the issue pondering is very good for a simple set of soft circumstances, but evaluating is more easily understood and correct if the circumstance/issue is hard or complex.
As in, "I was pondering what the size my cat's house should be." or "I was evaluating the structural differences in manmade materials used in buildings today."
Both are correct, yet they carry a very different connotation!
