rationality

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌra-shə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce rationality (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His decision to side with keeping the government open at the expense of legislative branch power came from a place of rationality, not rashness. Philip Elliott, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025 And one benefit of a plot built on relentlessly surreal happenstance is that eventually every new plot development starts to feel like a twist — because nothing is predetermined, and rationality and rigor have already gone out the window. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025 Friedrich Nietzsche's idea of rationality, Apollonian, and the irrational passion, defined as Dionysian, have always been a sort of philosophical guide for Murano; his way of conceiving fashion. Alberto Calabrese, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025 In recent years, both neuroscience and transformative leadership theory have increasingly recognized the importance of emotions and feelings alongside rationality. Nancy Zamierowski, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rationality

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rationality was in 1628

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rationality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationality. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

rationality

noun
ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌrash-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē How to pronounce rationality (audio)
: the quality or state of being rational

Medical Definition

rationality

noun
ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌrash-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē How to pronounce rationality (audio)
plural rationalities
1
: the quality or state of being rational
2
: the quality or state of being agreeable to reason
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!