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

Catholicism offers ritual without the tedium of rationality; anarchism offers revolutionary action against inequality without the taint of materialism, the prospect of personal gain. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025

Before compassion and empathy, he was trained, taught, and raised to live in a world of pragmatism and rationality over emotion. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rationality

• hyper-rationality

Rhymes for rationality

• abnormality
• cardinality
• commonality
• communality
• cordiality
• corporeality
• criminality
• criticality
• functionality
• generality
• geniality
• hospitality

Kids 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