ratiocinate

[ rash-ee-os-uh-neyt, -oh-suh-, rat-ee- ]

verb (used without object)

, ra·ti·oc·i·nat·ed, ra·ti·oc·i·nat·ing.

1. to reason; carry on a process of reasoning.

ratiocinate

/ ˌrætɪˈɒsɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. intr to think or argue logically and methodically; reason

Derived Forms

• ˌratiˈociˌnator, noun
• ˌratiˌociˈnation, noun
• ˌratiˈocinative, adjective

Other Words From

• rati·oci·nator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratiocinate¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin ratiōcinātus, past participle of ratiōcinārī “to reckon, calculate, conclude,” verbal derivative of ratiō “reason”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratiocinate¹

C17: from Latin ratiōcinārī to calculate, from ratiō reason

Example Sentences

Does the soul ratiocinate before entering upon the body, and after having left it?

From Project Gutenberg

But I give you warning—Stasie may weep and Henri ratiocinate—it will not serve you twice.

From Project Gutenberg