Dwell on
phrasal verb
To think, speak, or write at length about a particular point or topic.
Don't dwell on the past, let's focus on the future.
Often appears as...
- dwell on the past
- dwell on a problem
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrasal verb
To linger over, emphasize, or ponder in thought, speech, or writing.
She kept dwelling on the point in her presentation.
Often appears as...
- dwell on a point
- dwell on the details
Usage tips
Academic, Technical
phrasal verb
To remain in a given place or condition.
The tribe dwells on the mountain top.
Often appears as...
- dwell on the mountain
- dwell on the river bank
Usage tips
Formal, Neutral
phrasal verb
To think, speak, or write at length about a particular point or topic.
Don't dwell on the past, let's focus on the future.
Often appears as...
- dwell on the past
- dwell on a problem
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrasal verb
To linger over, emphasize, or ponder in thought, speech, or writing.
She kept dwelling on the point in her presentation.
Often appears as...
- dwell on a point
- dwell on the details
Usage tips
Academic, Technical
phrasal verb
To remain in a given place or condition.
The tribe dwells on the mountain top.
Often appears as...
- dwell on the mountain
- dwell on the river bank
Usage tips
Formal, Neutral
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Avoid Negativity
Overusing 'dwell on' might suggest a negative focus on problematic things.
Try not to dwell on your minor mistakes in the exam.
Pro Tip 2/3Problem Solving
'Dwell on' can imply taking the time to thoroughly solve a problem or think over options.
We need to dwell on these challenges to find a solution.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
The phrase can show that someone is affected emotionally by the topic they are focusing on.
He couldn't stop dwelling on the news of the day.
Pro Tip 1/3Avoid Negativity
Overusing 'dwell on' might suggest a negative focus on problematic things.
Try not to dwell on your minor mistakes in the exam.
Pro Tip 2/3Problem Solving
'Dwell on' can imply taking the time to thoroughly solve a problem or think over options.
We need to dwell on these challenges to find a solution.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
The phrase can show that someone is affected emotionally by the topic they are focusing on.
He couldn't stop dwelling on the news of the day.
Pro Tip 1/3Avoid Negativity
Overusing 'dwell on' might suggest a negative focus on problematic things.
Try not to dwell on your minor mistakes in the exam.
Pro Tip 2/3Problem Solving
'Dwell on' can imply taking the time to thoroughly solve a problem or think over options.
We need to dwell on these challenges to find a solution.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
The phrase can show that someone is affected emotionally by the topic they are focusing on.
He couldn't stop dwelling on the news of the day.
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