ratiocinate

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English

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Etymology

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. From Latin ratiocinor (to reckon, argue). First appears c. 1643 in the writings of Kenelm Digby.

Pronunciation

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Verb

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ratiocinate (third-person singular simple present ratiocinates, present participle ratiocinating, simple past and past participle ratiocinated)

  1. (transitive, intransitive) To use the powers of the mind logically and methodically; to reason.
    • 1887, Robert Louis Stevenson, chapter 6, in The Treasure of Franchard:
      "Observe the relative position," returned the Doctor with a smile. "It is your attitude to believe through thick and thin in one man's judgment—your own. I follow the same opinion, but critically and with open eyes. Which is the more irrational—I leave it to yourself."
      "Oh, my dear fellow!" cried Casimir, " [] don't ratiocinate with me."
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Latin

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Participle

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ratiōcināte

  1. vocative masculine singular of ratiōcinātus