Standard Lemma guide

ratiocinate

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American: /ˌɹætiˈosəˌneɪt/
  • General-American: /ˌɹæʃiˈɑsəˌneɪt/

1

verb

Meaning 1

To use the powers of the mind logically and methodically; to reason.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: formal, intransitive, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

reason methodologically and logically

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: reason

History

Etymology

From Latin ratiōcinor (“to reckon, argue”) + -ate, from ratiō + -cinor. First use appears c.1643 in the writings of Kenelm Digby.