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

Ratiocinate, rash-i-os′i-nāt, v.i. to reason:—pr.p. ratioc′inating; pa.p. ratioc′inated.—n.

From Project Gutenberg

Some speaker is made to reveal his character, and, sometimes, 391 by reflection, or directly, the character of some one else—to set forth some subtle and complex soul-mood, some supreme, all-determining movement or experience of a life, or, it may be, to ratiocinate subtly on some curious question of theology, morals, philosophy, or art.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

But don’t ratiocinate with me—I cannot bear it.

From Project Gutenberg

We do not ratiocinate, we run.

From Project Gutenberg