rationality

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

|Updated on: 26 May 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

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Recent Examples of rationality from the Web

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
One such panel this year met to sleepily critique President Trump’s economic policies, but it was overshadowed by another panel, two ballrooms away, that jolted a profession that prides itself on cool rationality.

— jim tankersley and noam scheiber, New York Times, "Wielding Data, Women Force a Reckoning Over Bias in the Economics Field," 10 Jan. 2018
Condorcet’s 1795 text expanded upon the belief that a press free from censorship would circulate an open debate of ideas, with rationality and truth winning out.

— jackie mansky, Smithsonian, "The Age-Old Problem of “Fake News”," 7 May 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 | Miami Herald," 2 May 2018
You're admired for your steadfast work ethic and your incredible rationality, but remember, Capricorn darling, invention exists at the intersection of fantasy and reality.

— aliza kelly faragher, Allure, "What May's Capricorn Horoscope Means for You," 26 Apr. 2018
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

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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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

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rationality

Definition of rationality

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rationality

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