ratiocinatio means reasoning (typically with oneself) by asking questions. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.
Why “ratiocinatio” is a great word
RATIOCINATIO — [Noun] A rhetorical device of reasoning with oneself by posing questions and then answering them. From Latin ratiōcinātiō, from ratiōcinārī (“to reckon, reason”), from ratiō (“reason, calculation”). Unlike syllogism, a formal deductive structure, or argumentatio, the general architecture of an argument, ratiocinatio is an informal, dialogic reckoning within the mind. It is the solitary walker puzzling out a path in the gravel of his thoughts, the quiet cross-examination conducted before dawn, or the internal volley that transforms a blank page into a line of reasoning—a testament that all outward conviction is first forged in private doubt.
Etymology
From Latin ratiōcinātiō.
noun
- Reasoning (typically with oneself) by asking questions.
- Making statements, then asking the reason for such an affirmation, then answering oneself.