rationality

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

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of rationality

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

See rationality defined for kids

Recent Examples of rationality from the Web

But that supposition is contradicted by his business history and by his natural impulsiveness — perhaps his defining characteristic — which often wins out over rationality.

— benjamin hart, Daily Intelligencer, "Chill Out on the Whole Mueller Getting Fired Thing, Republicans Say," 10 Apr. 2018
Americans who are skeptical of soccer may be inclined to celebrate any effort to impose some rationality on the game.

— laurent dubois, WSJ, "Soccer Without the Melodrama? No Thank You," 16 Mar. 2018
The West’s ascension over other parts of the world has been attributed, instead, to innate Western qualities, including rationality and a talent for invention and innovation, or Western institutions.

— howard w. french, Washington Post, "Trump's profane description disregards Africa's crucial role in making America a world power," 14 Jan. 2018
And a move toward greater rationality would unbundle them and let evidence inform what the optimal policies ought to be.

— philip galanes, New York Times, "The Mind Meld of Bill Gates and Steven Pinker," 27 Jan. 2018
While the moon reflects our emotions, Mercury reflects logic and rationality.

— aliza kelly faragher, Allure, "Birth Charts 101: An Astrology Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Planets," 12 Mar. 2018
Voters do appreciate honesty and integrity, and Democrats owe it to their constituents to be consistent champions of what liberals believe in: equality, fairness, opportunity, compassion, rationality, education.

— jill filipovic, Cosmopolitan, "Election Day Was More Than Just a Good Day for Democrats. It Was a Message.," 9 Nov. 2017
Da Corte's surreal, immersive funhouse is a good argument for letting go of the conventional specs of rationality.

— Vogue, "In a New R.L. Stine-Inspired Show, Artist Alex Da Corte Gets Spooky," 17 Feb. 2018
The decision to take down or at least dismember an old tree is neither easy nor always objective, but professional arborists are guided by a risk assessment protocol that brings a rationality to the process.

— adrian higgins, idahostatesman, "Old trees will tell you when their time is up | Idaho Statesman," 17 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rationality.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of rationality

1628

Medical Dictionary

rationality

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

medical Definition of rationality

plural rationalities

1 : the quality or state of being rational

2 : the quality or state of being agreeable to reason

Learn More about rationality

See words that rhyme with rationality Nglish: Translation of rationality for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of rationality for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rationality

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up rationality? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

rationality

Definition of rationality

Recent Examples of rationality from the Web

First Known Use of rationality

Medical Dictionary

rationality

medical Definition of rationality

Learn More about rationality

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

bloviate

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

True or False?

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

rationality

Definition of rationality

Recent Examples of rationality from the Web

First Known Use of rationality

Medical Dictionary

rationality

medical Definition of rationality

Learn More about rationality

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes