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
The cultivation of rationality and compassion can go a long way toward remedying and even precluding various human behaviors and societal ills without the superfluous discord that moral judgments and attitudes so often introduce.
—
The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024
In Knausgaard’s novel, which is set in a realistic, modern-day Norway, rationality is suspended when an actual miracle occurs: a new star appears in the night sky.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2025
Setting aside humanity, humility, charity, generosity, rationality, reality and other distractions, the Los Angeles fires add another element to what was already a fraught relationship between two egocentric political figures.
—Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
But transport yourself back to the early 20th century: at the same time that senseless World Wars were prompting Surrealists to lose faith in rationality, quantum physics came around, too, showing us yet another way in which common sense is good for little.
—Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 20 Dec. 2024
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The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024
In Knausgaard’s novel, which is set in a realistic, modern-day Norway, rationality is suspended when an actual miracle occurs: a new star appears in the night sky.
—Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2025
Setting aside humanity, humility, charity, generosity, rationality, reality and other distractions, the Los Angeles fires add another element to what was already a fraught relationship between two egocentric political figures.
—Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
But transport yourself back to the early 20th century: at the same time that senseless World Wars were prompting Surrealists to lose faith in rationality, quantum physics came around, too, showing us yet another way in which common sense is good for little.
—Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rationality
Dictionary Entries Near rationality
Cite this Entry
“Rationality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationality. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
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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