cogitative

[ koj-i-tey-tiv ]

adjective

1. meditating; contemplating:

   The cogitative faculty distinguishes humans from animals.

2. given to meditation; thoughtful:

   The leaders sat in cogitative silence.

ˈcogitative

/ ˈkɒdʒɪtətɪv /

adjective

1. capable of thinking
2. thoughtful

Derived Forms

• ˈcogitativeness, noun
• ˈcogitatively, adverb

Other Words From

• cogi·tative·ly adverb
• cogi·tative·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cogitative¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin cōgitātīvus, equivalent to cōgitāt(us) ( cogitate ) + -īvus adjective suffix ( -ive )

Example Sentences

I examine the cogitative processes within in the expectation of a resolution.

From Nature

He pushed his helmet back on his head, a cogitative move.

From Literature

But differences emerged in the slower, more effortful cogitative phase that followed, leading to divergent success rates in the end: 18 percent for the mathematics students versus 6 percent for the history students.

From New York Times

But his solo work — at once cogitative and kinetic — has its own allure.

From New York Times

His saxophone emits a broad and smoky sound, with a measured inflection that gives the music an unhurried, cogitative pacing.

From New York Times