What does rationality mean Meaning and Definition
What does rationality mean
Pronunciation
/ˈrætʃənˈælɪti/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The quality of being rational; having the ability to think clearly and logically, unemotional and unbiased, with a sound judgment.
Etymology
Originated from the Latin term “rationalis,” meaning “rational,” and the Greek term “logikos,” meaning “logical.”
Usage Notes
Rationality is often used to describe a cognitive process or a style of thinking that is guided by reason and evidence, rather than emotions or personal biases.
Cultural References
In literature, rationality is often portrayed as a key characteristic of heroes and protagonists, such as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. House.
In philosophy, rationality is a central concept in many schools of thought, including ancient Greek philosophy and modern Enlightenment thinking.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Think outside the box”
- “Use your head”
Related Words or Phrases
- Reason
- Logic
- Variance
Collocations
- rational behavior
- logical conclusion
- cognitive bias
Frequency of Use
Rationality is a common concept in modern language, particularly in academic and professional settings, but it is not as frequently used in casual conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Raticality
- Retinality