Cogitate vs. Excogitate — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 3, 2024
Cogitate involves deep thinking or meditation on an idea, focusing on internal processing, whereas excogitate entails devising or figuring out something complex, often involving an external expression.
Difference Between Cogitate and Excogitate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cogitate often refers to deep, reflective thinking or meditation on a subject. On the other hand, excogitate is used more for the process of developing a plan or an idea, typically through deliberate, creative thinking.
When someone cogitates, they are usually trying to understand something better or think it through thoroughly, which involves a more internal, contemplative process. Whereas excogitation involves the generation of new ideas or solutions, often requiring a more active, problem-solving approach.
Cogitation can be a solitary activity, often requiring quiet and uninterrupted time to process thoughts. Conversely, excogitation can involve discussing ideas with others, brainstorming, and utilizing external inputs to create something novel.
The term cogitate implies a seriousness and depth, as it is often associated with pondering profound or complex issues. In contrast, excogitate can sometimes have a lighter or more inventive connotation, as it relates to the crafting of ingenious solutions.
While cogitate might not necessarily lead to immediate or practical outcomes, as it is more about the process of thinking itself, excogitate is often goal-oriented, aiming at producing a specific plan, idea, or solution.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To think deeply about something; meditate or reflect.
To think out, devise, or invent something.
Process
Internal, reflective, and often solitary.
Creative, often collaborative, and solution-focused.
Focus
Understanding and reflection.
Innovation and problem solving.
Outcome Orientation
More abstract, less immediately practical.
Goal-oriented, with practical implications.
Connotation
Serious, deep.
Inventive, sometimes lighter.
Compare with Definitions
Cogitate
To ponder or consider with careful attention.
He cogitated the complex problem for days.
Excogitate
To create or bring about by deliberate thought.
The team excogitated a solution to the software bug.
Cogitate
To think deeply and intently.
She spent the evening cogitating on the implications of her decision.
Excogitate
To figure out a complex problem by thinking.
The detective excogitated the mystery until a solution was clear.
Cogitate
To deliberate about something extensively.
The jury cogitated on the evidence before reaching a verdict.
Excogitate
To develop a plan or idea through thinking.
The inventor excogitated a new way to harness solar power.
Cogitate
To meditate or reflect on an idea.
The philosopher was known to cogitate on existential questions.
Excogitate
To devise or invent with creativity.
She excogitated a novel marketing strategy for the product launch.
Cogitate
To engage in serious thought.
He was seen cogitating in the library all afternoon.
Excogitate
To brainstorm or think creatively.
They gathered to excogitate on upcoming project challenges.
Cogitate
To take careful thought or think carefully about; ponder.
Excogitate
To consider or think (something) out carefully and thoroughly.
Cogitate
(intransitive) To meditate, to ponder, to think deeply.
Excogitate
To think over something carefully; to consider fully; cogitate.
Cogitate
(transitive) To consider, to devise.
Excogitate
To reach as a conclusion through reason or careful thought.
After many years of study, he excogitated a solution.
Cogitate
To engage in continuous thought; to think.
He that calleth a thing into his mind, whether by impression or recordation, cogitateth and considereth, and he that employeth the faculty of his fancy also cogitateth.
Excogitate
To think out; to find out or discover by thinking; to devise; to contrive.
This evidence . . . thus excogitated out of the general theory.
Cogitate
To think over; to plan.
He . . . is our witness, how we both day and night, revolving in our minds, did cogitate nothing more than how to satisfy the parts of a good pastor.
Excogitate
To cogitate.
Cogitate
Consider carefully and deeply; reflect upon; turn over in one's mind
Excogitate
Come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or priciple) after a mental effort;
Excogitate a way to measure the speed of light
Cogitate
Use or exercise the mind or one's power of reason in order to make inferences, decisions, or arrive at a solution or judgments;
I've been thinking all day and getting nowhere
Excogitate
Reflect deeply on a subject;
I mulled over the events of the afternoon
Philosophers have speculated on the question of God for thousands of years
The scientist must stop to observe and start to excogitate
Common Curiosities
What is the purpose of excogitation?
Excogitation aims to devise or invent something new, focusing on creative problem-solving or idea generation.
Is cogitate a common term in everyday language?
Cogitate is less common in everyday speech and is more often found in formal or literary contexts.
How does excogitate differ from simple thinking?
Excogitation involves a complex, often creative thought process aimed at solving problems or developing new ideas, beyond simple or casual thinking.
Are there specific techniques to enhance cogitation?
Techniques like mindfulness, focused meditation, and uninterrupted quiet time can enhance cogitation.
What are the benefits of cogitating on a problem?
Benefits include a deeper understanding of the problem, a thorough exploration of possible solutions, and personal insight.
What does it mean to cogitate?
To cogitate means to think deeply and intensely about something, often in a reflective or meditative manner.
Can cogitation involve group discussions?
Typically, cogitation is a solitary process focused on internal thought, unlike group brainstorming.
What types of problems are suitable for excogitation?
Complex, novel problems that require creative thinking and innovative solutions are suitable for excogitation.
What skills does excogitation require?
Excogitation requires creativity, problem-solving skills, and often, the ability to work collaboratively.
How can one improve their ability to excogitate?
Practicing brainstorming, engaging with diverse perspectives, and continuous learning can improve one’s ability to excogitate.
Does cogitation always lead to conclusions or decisions?
Cogitation does not necessarily lead to immediate decisions; it's more about engaging deeply with a topic.
Can cogitation and excogitation overlap in the thinking process?
Yes, cogitation and excogitation can overlap, especially in complex scenarios requiring both deep thought and creative solutions.
Can someone excogitate alone?
While excogitation can be collaborative, it is certainly possible to excogitate alone, particularly in tasks that require individual creativity.
Is cogitating similar to daydreaming?
Cogitating is more focused and purposeful than daydreaming, which is typically more free-form and less directed.
In what fields is excogitation particularly valuable?
Fields such as research and development, engineering, and creative industries highly value excogitation.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
