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
Its roots stretch all the way back to the ancient Greeks, who emphasized the role of human rationality in figuring out how to lead a good and flourishing life.
—
Sigal Samuel, Vox, 20 Oct. 2024
What rationality means for Kuminga’s case, though, is the pursuit of a deal that makes sense for both sides — and what makes sense for Kuminga isn’t necessarily the same as what makes sense for the Warriors.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024
When Atay was five, the family moved to the capital city of Ankara; there, the boy was educated in the leading institutions of the Kemalist élite, bastions of rationality, efficiency, progress, and other eagerly adopted European values.
—Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2024
But regardless of whether their warnings prove prophetic, their plight illustrates the hard boundaries of a social order that prides itself on objectivity and rationality.
—Evan Malmgren, Harper's Magazine, 21 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rationality 
Sigal Samuel, Vox, 20 Oct. 2024
What rationality means for Kuminga’s case, though, is the pursuit of a deal that makes sense for both sides — and what makes sense for Kuminga isn’t necessarily the same as what makes sense for the Warriors.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024
When Atay was five, the family moved to the capital city of Ankara; there, the boy was educated in the leading institutions of the Kemalist élite, bastions of rationality, efficiency, progress, and other eagerly adopted European values.
—Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2024
But regardless of whether their warnings prove prophetic, their plight illustrates the hard boundaries of a social order that prides itself on objectivity and rationality.
—Evan Malmgren, Harper's Magazine, 21 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rationality
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rationality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near rationality
Cite this Entry
“Rationality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationality. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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