Word
rationality
Phoneticsra·tio·nal·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɹæʃəˈnæɫɪti/
UK/ɹˌæʃənˈælɪti/
Definitions
01logical thinking
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. the ability to think clearly and make decisions based on reason and facts.
n. the quality of being consistent with or based on logic and reason. Uncountable in its general sense.
“We need to use rationality rather than anger to solve this problem.”
“The philosopher argued that human rationality is often compromised by deep-seated cognitive biases and emotional responses.”
Usage
Often used with the definite article 'the' or as an abstract uncountable noun.
Antonyms
02a specific reason or system
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Academic · Formal
n. a particular way of thinking or a set of reasons for doing something.
n. a specific rational motive or a system of beliefs based on logical principles. Countable in this specific context.
“The economic rationality behind the decision was difficult for the public to understand.”
“The study examines the competing rationalities of environmental activists and industrial developers during the planning phase.”
Usage
Can be used in the plural ('rationalities') when comparing different systems of thought.
Real-World Examples
“Mission Control embodied everything I loved about humanity and learning: teamwork, creativity, rationality, calmness and respect for the data and the facts.” “They also included approaches based on the principle of bounded rationality, which are designed to facilitate decision-making by highlighting specific aspects of climate change, such as its health or financial consequences.” Etymology
From rational + -ity, from French rationalité, from Late Latin rationalitas (“rationality, reasonableness”), from Latin rationalis (“reasonable”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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