rationality

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌra-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

plural rationalities

1

: the quality or state of being rational

2

: the quality or state of being agreeable to reason : reasonableness

3

: a rational opinion, belief, or practice

—usually used in plural

Examples of rationality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Don’t let the giddiness of booking a trip overpower your rationality. —Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2024

But the clarity of his mind, his relentless rationality, cut through the usual political boilerplate and bromides. —Joe Klein, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2017

In modern terms, the tale goes like this: Your brain is a battleground between rationality on one hand and urges and emotions on the other. —Lisa Feldman Barrett, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024

Hank knows what’s about to happen, even though he’s appealed to Peter’s rationality. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rationality

• hyper-rationality

Kids Definition

rationality

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌrash-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

: the quality or state of being rational

Medical Definition

rationality

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌrash-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

plural rationalities

1

: the quality or state of being rational

2

: the quality or state of being agreeable to reason