Thinking & Reasoning Vocabulary

the mental action of acquiring knowledge

“Language plays a crucial role in cognition.”

Origin: Latin cognitio `knowledge` from cognoscere `get to know` (co- `together` + gnoscere `know`)

to think deeply about something; to chew repeatedly

“She ruminated on the meaning of his words for days.”

Origin: Latin ruminare `chew the cud` from rumen `throat, gullet`

to think about deeply and at length

“He contemplated the vast expanse of stars above.”

Origin: Latin contemplari `observe, consider` (con- `together` + templum `sacred space for observation`)

to engage in long and careful consideration

“The jury deliberated for three days.”

Origin: Latin deliberare `weigh, consider` (de- `down` + librare `weigh` from libra `balance`)

to think deeply about something; to ponder

“He sat cogitating on the philosophical problem.”

Origin: Latin cogitare `think` (co- `together` + agitare `turn over in the mind`)

to form judgments by a process of logic; to reason

“The detective ratiocinated his way to the solution.”

Origin: Latin ratiocinari `calculate, deliberate` from ratio `reason, reckoning`

intellectual rather than emotional or physical

“His cerebral approach to art alienated some viewers.”

Origin: Latin cerebrum `brain`

engaged in deep or serious thought

“She had a pensive look as she gazed out the window.”

Origin: French pensif from Latin pensare `ponder, weigh` (intensive of pendere `weigh`)

characterized by examination of one's own thoughts

“The introspective novel explores the protagonist's inner life.”

Origin: Latin introspicere `look into` (intro- `inward` + specere `to look`)

the ability to judge well; perception

“Her discernment in matters of art was legendary.”

Origin: Latin discernere `separate, distinguish` (dis- `apart` + cernere `to sift`)