Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “unreason” come from?

Unreason derives from English un- plus reason, which comes from Latin ratiō meaning "reckoning" or "thinking."

unreason (English): Lack of reason or rationality; unreasonableness;...

Definitions

  1. Lack of reason or rationality; unreasonableness;...

Ancestry of “unreason”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishreasonA cause; Rational thinking ; the cognitive...
2Middle Englishresounresound; reason
3Anglo-NormanraisunAlternative form of reson
4Old Frenchresonlogic, logical reasoning
5Latinratiō—
6Latin-tiō—
7Latindissertātiō—
8Latindissertusarranged, disposed; explained
9Latindissereresecond-person singular future passive indicative...
10Latindis-asunder, apart, in two; reversal, removal;...
11Latincalceusshoe
12Latincalxlimestone; chalk; the finish line
13Ancient Greekχάλιξsmall stone, pebble; gravel, rubble
Every word from Ancient Greek χάλιξ →