ragiono

Ragiono is the first person singular present indicative form of the Italian verb ragionare, meaning to reason, to think in a logical or systematic way. It denotes an ongoing mental process of analysis, reflection, or justification. The verb is commonly used to describe careful consideration rather than quick, impulse-driven thought.

Etymology and related terms: Ragionare comes from ragione, which in turn derives from Latin ratio, rationis (reason, calculation). Related words include ragione (reason), ragionamento (reasoning), and logica (logic). The concept is tied to evaluating evidence, drawing conclusions, and planning based on coherent thought.

Conjugation and syntax: Ragionare is a regular -are verb. In the present indicative, the forms are: io ragiono, tu ragioni, lui/lei ragiona, noi ragioniamo, voi ragIonate, loro ragionano. The verb can be used with prepositions such as su or di to specify the topic of reflection, e.g., ragiono su questa questione, ragiono di cambiare lavoro. It can also accompany phrases like ragiono che… to introduce a conclusion, though in everyday speech more common verbs like penso or ritengo may be used.

Usage notes: Ragionare emphasizes the process of reasoning rather than merely having an opinion. It is suitable in formal or analytic contexts and can contrast with more subjective terms like pensare or credere. The noun forms ragionamento (the act of reasoning) and ragione (reason) are closely related and frequently appear in technical or philosophical writing.

See also: ragione, ragionamento, ragionare (the infinitive form), logica.