Etymology Map
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Reason

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a cause or explanation; the power to think logically

Where does the word "reason" come from? It comes from Latin ratio, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
ratio
Latin · ancient
"reckoning, reason"
from 'reri', to reckon
2
Stage 2 of 3
raison
Old French · medieval
"reason"
the Latin t softened in French
3
Stage 3 of 3
reason
English · 1200s
"the power of thought"
the Age of Reason referred to the 1700s
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Read the full story

Reason’s story begins in Latin: ratio meant “reckoning, reason.” From 'reri', to reckon. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as raison. The Latin t softened in French. It reached English by 1200s as reason. The Age of Reason referred to the 1700s. Today, reason means a cause or explanation; the power to think logically.