rationalism

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​ism ˈrash-nə-ˌli-zəm 

ˈra-shə-nə-ˌli-

1

: reliance on reason as the basis for establishment of religious truth

2

a

: a theory that reason is in itself a source of knowledge superior to and independent of sense perceptions

b

: a view that reason and experience rather than the nonrational are the fundamental criteria in the solution of problems

3

: functionalism sense 2

rationalist

ˈrash-nə-list 

ˈra-shə-nə-list

noun

rationalist adjective

or rationalistic

ˌrash-nə-ˈli-tik 

ˌra-shə-nə-ˈli-

rationalistically

ˌrash-nə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌra-shə-nə-ˈli-

adverb

Examples of rationalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And with little money and a limited amount of resources until quite recently, Finns have used that practicality and rationalism to become incredibly innovative in industries ranging from tech to hospitality to fashion. —Brett Braley, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024

Underneath their discussions about democracy, rationalism, and religion lies one consensus: Women are subordinate and subhuman. —Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2024

As a lifelong journalist and media entrepreneur, Brill possesses the rationalism of the former and the certainty of the latter that facts are what move the world. —Laura Wagner, Washington Post, 30 June 2024

Gulen has tried to develop a genuinely modern school of Islam that reconciles the religion with liberal democracy, scientific rationalism, ecumenism, and free enterprise… The Church Undivided Pope Benedict XVI made reaching out to other faiths and promoting Christian unity hallmarks of his tenure. —Victor Gaetan, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1