Ratiocinate is a verb meaning to reason, especially in a methodical manner. Edgar Allan Poe used the term to describe deductive reasoning in his detective stories. It comes from the Latin 'ratio' (reason, calculation).
Ratiocinate es un verbo que significa razonar, especialmente de manera metódica. Edgar Allan Poe utilizó el término para describir el razonamiento deductivo en sus historias de detectives. Proviene del latín 'ratio' (razón, cálculo).
| Front | ratiocinate \rash-ee-OS-uh-nayt, rat-ee-\ |
|---|---|
| Back | verb intr. To reason, especially in a methodical manner. [Edgar Allan Poe is said to have called the 1841 story The Murders in the Rue Morgue his first "tale of ratiocination." Many today agree with his assessment and consider that Poe classic to be the world's first detective story. Poe didn't actually use "ratiocination" in Rue Morgue, but the term does appear three times in its 1842 sequel, The Mystery of Marie Roget. In Marie Roget, the author proved his reasoning ability ("ratiocination" traces to "ratio," Latin for "reason" or "computation"). The second tale is based on an actual murder, and as the case unfolded after the publication of Poe's work, it became clear that his fictional detective had done an amazing job of reasoning through the crime. From Latin ratiocinari (to reckon), from ratio (reason, calculation). Ultimately from the Indo-European root ar- (to fit together), which also gave us army, harmony, article, order, read, adorn, arithmetic, and rhyme. Earliest documented use: 1643.] "But we're here to see Downey [playing Sherlock Holmes] ratiocinate his way in and around the movie." - Ty Burr; Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes; The Boston Globe; Dec 25, 2009. |
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