noun
cogitation
kah-jih-TAY-shun/ˌkɑːdʒɪˈteɪʃn/
Careful, sustained thought about something.
The difficult chess position holds the older woman in prolonged cogitation.
Etymology
Latin cogitatio names the activity of thinking or reflection. English has also used the word for a thought or idea itself, alongside the selected sense of earnest mental consideration.
In context
he is always so wrapped up in cogitation that he is in manifest danger of falling down every precipice and bouncing his head against every post
More examples
- The problem requires quiet cogitation, not a quick guess.
- A long walk gives him time for cogitation.
- I need a little more cogitation before making that choice.
Forms
cogitation · cogitations
cogitate verb — To think carefully and at length.
Similar words
- reflection
- Often involves looking back on experiences to understand them.
- deliberation
- Focuses on weighing options carefully before making a decision.
- contemplation
- Suggests quiet, focused thought without necessarily seeking a decision.