rationality
- 01 C1 Advanced
the ability to think clearly and make decisions based on reason and facts.
the quality of being consistent with or based on logic and reason. Uncountable in its general sense.
Simple“We need to use rationality rather than anger to solve this problem.”
In context“The philosopher argued that human rationality is often compromised by deep-seated cognitive biases and emotional responses.”
UsageOften used with the definite article 'the' or as an abstract uncountable noun.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
a particular way of thinking or a set of reasons for doing something.
a specific rational motive or a system of beliefs based on logical principles. Countable in this specific context.
Simple“The economic rationality behind the decision was difficult for the public to understand.”
In context“The study examines the competing rationalities of environmental activists and industrial developers during the planning phase.”
UsageCan be used in the plural ('rationalities') when comparing different systems of thought.
“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.”
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.