ratiocinate

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌɹætiˈosəˌneɪt/, /ˌɹæʃiˈɑsəˌneɪt/

Verb

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."

Related terms

• ratiocination

Latin

Participle

ratiōcināte

1. vocative masculine singular of ratiōcinātus