rationalism

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​ism ˈrash-nə-ˌli-zəm 

ˈra-shə-nə-ˌli-

1

: reliance on reason as the basis for establishment of religious truth

2

a

: a theory that reason is in itself a source of knowledge superior to and independent of sense perceptions

b

: a view that reason and experience rather than the nonrational are the fundamental criteria in the solution of problems

3

: functionalism sense 2

rationalist

ˈrash-nə-list 

ˈra-shə-nə-list

noun

rationalist adjective

or rationalistic

ˌrash-nə-ˈli-tik 

ˌra-shə-nə-ˈli-

rationalistically

ˌrash-nə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌra-shə-nə-ˈli-

adverb

Examples of rationalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In his early work, Kant embraced German rationalism, convinced that pure reason could prove God’s existence and the soul’s immortality. —Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025

Reason, rationalism, individualism, the rejection of the past, the framing of custom as an obstacle, the idealization of progress and perpetual renewal: Bezos would recognize all of this, and perhaps nod in vigorous assent. —Paul Kingsnorth, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

Venture capitalists erected their industry on the altar of profits, with perhaps a dash of rationalism. —Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025

Political and biblical inheritance are thus far more responsible for the modern-day United States than revolution, liberal rationalism, or hyper-individualism. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rationalism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism