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cogito

cogito

noun KOH-hee-toh Rare

Origin: From Latin cogito ('I think'), the opening word of Descartes's formula cogito ergo sum.

Usage Note

Cogito in Spanish philosophical writing refers specifically to the Cartesian principle cogito ergo sum ('I think, therefore I am'). It is used as an indeclinable masculine noun (el cogito). Learners should note that Spanish pronounces the g before i as 'h' (like gente), so the pronunciation differs from the Latin.

Examples

"El cogito es el punto de partida de Descartes."

Natural Translation

The cogito is Descartes's starting point.

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