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
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
Her femininity and sexuality were contrasted with Octavian’s masculinity and rationality.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 Dec. 2024
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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
Her femininity and sexuality were contrasted with Octavian’s masculinity and rationality.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 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 6 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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