rationality

noun

ra·tio·nal·i·ty | \ˌra-shə-ˈna-lə-tē

plural rationalities

Definition of rationality

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

The computer, which is the result of a five-year project, processes speech and is equipped with human-like thought and rationality. — Fox News, "IBM computer taps AI to successfully debate humans," 19 June 2018 The fact that Kingelez’s projects are unrealizable shields them from any nattering rationality. — Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, "The Utopian Vision of Bodys Isek Kingelez," 4 June 2017 That's because their arrogance outweighs their rationality. — Glenn Garvin, miamiherald, "In Nicaragua, the political battle is moving from the streets to the negotiating table," 5 May 2018 Liv Boeree is a science communicator and TV host specializing in astrophysics, rationality, and poker. — Liv Boeree, Vox, "Why haven’t we found aliens yet?," 3 July 2018 The stockmarket, in so far as rationality can be ascribed to it, came down on the side of those saying that the central bank has not really started to ease. — The Economist, "China starts easing monetary policy. Or does it?," 30 June 2018 That’s because the process of trade itself may enhance human rationality. — Richard B. Mckenzie, WSJ, "People Aren’t Rational, and That’s Why We Need Free Trade," 15 June 2018 That's because their arrogance outweighs their rationality. — Glenn Garvin, miamiherald, "In Nicaragua, the political battle is moving from the streets to the negotiating table," 5 May 2018 The dream of the 18th century was that a single, coherent set of values, rooted in rationality, could make a heaven on Earth. — Alison Gopnik, The Atlantic, "When Truth and Reason Are No Longer Enough," 17 Mar. 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.