cogitate
UK[ˈkɒdʒɪteɪt]US[ˈkɑːdʒɪteɪt]
v
to think carefully and seriously about something
Morpheme Breakdown
co
agit
ate
co
together
agit
to set in motion, drive, consider
ate
to act in a specified manner
Etymology
the verb 'cogitate' originates from the latin verb 'cogitare,' meaning 'to think, ponder, or consider.' this latin term is itself a compound, formed from the intensive prefix 'co-' (an assimilated form of 'com-') and the root 'agitare,' the frequentative form of 'agere,' meaning 'to drive, do, or act.' the literal sense is thus 'to drive or shake together in the mind,' metaphorically evolving into the process of deep, concentrated thought. it entered english in the late 16th century, retaining this core meaning of deliberate and serious mental reflection.
Analysis
Structure: co + agit + ate
co- (latin prefix, meaning 'together' or 'completely'); agit (latin root, meaning 'to set in motion, drive, consider'); -ate (latin suffix, forming verbs meaning 'to act in a specified manner')
Examples
he needed a quiet place to cogitate on the complex problem.
philosophers have long cogitated on the nature of existence and consciousness.
she sat by the window, cogitating about her future career path.