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Definition of rationality

rationality

/ˌɹæʃ.əˈnæl.ə.ti/
ra · tion · al · i · ty
Adverb:rationally
•
Plural:rationalities
•
Adjective:rational
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rationality Lexical Profile

rationality Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being based on or in accordance with reason, logic, or sound judgment.

Example

"The committee appealed to rationality and empirical evidence rather than emotion when drafting the new policy."

2

A specific system of reasoning, set of logical principles, or framework of beliefs that guides thought and action within a particular context.

Example

"Sociologists often examine how different cultural and economic rationalities shape institutional decision-making."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for rationality

• Nearby Words

rational
rationale
rationalist
rationality
rationalization
rationalize
rationalizer

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Late Latin rationalitas ('reasonableness, the faculty of reason'), from Latin rationalis ('of or belonging to reason'), ultimately from ratio ('reckoning, calculation, reason').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rationality. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rationality
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