excogitate
UK[ɛksˈkɒdʒɪteɪt]US[ɛksˈkɑːdʒɪteɪt]
v
To think something out carefully and thoroughly; to devise or invent by such thought.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
cogitate
ex
out
cogitate
think
Etymology
The word "excogitate" is a formal and somewhat rare verb formed from the intensive Latin prefix ex- and the verb cogitare, "to think." Cogitare itself is a compound, from co- (an intensive prefix meaning "together") and agitare (a frequentative of agere, "to drive, do, act"), thus carrying the literal sense of "to drive ideas together" or "to turn over in the mind." Therefore, "excogitate" intensifies this process, implying a thorough "thinking out" of a concept, plan, or solution from within the mind. It entered English in the 16th century, retaining its scholarly Latin character to denote deep, careful invention or devising.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out) + cogitate (think)
- ex: A Latin prefix meaning "out of, from, thoroughly."
- cogitate: From Latin cogitare, meaning "to think, ponder, consider."
Examples
The philosopher spent years excogitating a new system of ethics.
We need to excogitate a more efficient method before proceeding.
The intricate plot of the novel was clearly excogitated down to the smallest detail.