ratiocination
UK: ˌrætɪˌɒsɪˈneɪʃən | US: ˌrætɪˌoʊsɪˈneɪʃən
n. the process of exact, logical reasoning
n. a reasoned train of thought; systematic deduction
ratiocination = ratio<reason> + cin<think> + ation<noun suffix>
- ratio (Latin ratio: "reason, calculation") → Retains the core meaning of logical reasoning.
- cin (Latin -cinare, from putare: "to think, prune") → Implies mental refinement or judgment.
- ation (Latin -atio: noun-forming suffix) → Denotes the action or process of the root.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin ratiocinari ("to reckon, reason"), ratiocination entered English in the 16th century, preserving its scholarly tone. The morpheme ratio anchors the word in logic, while cin (from putare, meaning "to prune/think") metaphorically ties reasoning to precision—like pruning thoughts to clarity. The suffix -ation formalizes it as a methodical process. Historically used in philosophy and rhetoric, it reflects the Renaissance revival of classical logic.
His essay demonstrated flawless ratiocination, moving step-by-step to an irrefutable conclusion.
Legal arguments rely heavily on ratiocination rather than emotional appeals.
Descartes’ Meditations exemplify the ratiocination central to rationalist philosophy.
The detective’s ratiocination unraveled the mystery where others saw only chaos.
Critics praised the author’s ratiocination but found her conclusions overly rigid.