rationality

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'rationality' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the quality or state of being rational. For example, "The rationality of his decision surprised many of his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If we are entitled to choose on our own behalf or on our children's behalf only when we are deemed rational, and rationality is defined to mean a consensus with the authorities, then autonomy is a bad joke.

The Economist

At the heart of it is rationality and awareness".

The Guardian

A generation on, the economic and social rationality of the miners' resistance could not be clearer, while the self-serving attacks on the NUM since the strike ring increasingly hollow.

The Guardian

People are proposing perspectives that must be interrogated with facts, data, and rationality – not knee-jerk reactions banning one or two people instead of the act itself, viewing all hunters as environment haters, and so on.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many of these researchers broadly accept the EMH, but see their role as uncovering sources of inefficiency that can be addressed to make markets more efficient.However, a second branch of financial economics is far more sceptical about markets' inherent rationality.

The Economist

In a testy email exchange on the issue, Mr Dershowitz and blogger Glenn Greenwald resorted to ad hominem attacks on each other, questioning one another's rationality, intelligence and integrity.

The Economist

At a White House press conference, he stressed the need to think through every action in an "extremely complicated" spot.In private, the prime minister makes a virtue of the cerebral rationality underpinning the relationship.

The Economist

Some economists feel about the behaviouralists much as Robert Frost felt about writers of free verse: economics without rationality is like tennis without a net.

The Economist

It may seem hard to square market gyrations like this with any reasonable conception of consumer rationality.

The Economist

"Talmudic" (derived from the study of Jewish law) implies hair-splitting and rationality.

The Economist

He presents Baghdad under the caliphs as a place of passionate, rancorous debate between faiths (at least three of them) and reason, in which faith had the upper hand but reason could still fight its corner, and even the most purist advocates of faith made some allowance for Hellenic rationality.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex decision-making processes, use "rationality" to emphasize the importance of logical and evidence-based analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "rationality" in contexts where emotions or subjective experiences are primary. In such cases, terms like "empathy" or "understanding" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rationality" is as a noun, denoting the quality or state of being rational. It's often used to describe processes, decisions, or systems, emphasizing their logical and reasoned nature, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rationality" functions as a noun that signifies the quality of being rational. It is grammatically correct and highly prevalent across diverse contexts, notably in news, formal business settings, and scientific discourse, as indicated by Ludwig. When using "rationality", consider whether the context emphasizes logic, reason, or sound judgment. Alternatives include "reasonableness" and "sound judgment". While ubiquitous, avoid overemphasizing "rationality" in emotion-driven scenarios. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread use and acceptability, highlighting its importance in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonableness

Focuses on the quality of being fair and appropriate in a given situation, rather than purely logical.

sound judgment

Emphasizes the ability to make sensible decisions based on careful consideration.

logical thinking

Highlights the use of logic and reasoning processes.

reason

A more general term referring to the power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments.

intellect

Refers to the general ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.

cognitive ability

Specifically refers to mental processes related to knowledge, understanding, and awareness.

sanity

Focuses on the state of having a sound mind and rational behavior, often in contrast to mental illness.

coherence

Emphasizes the quality of being logical and consistent.

evidence-based reasoning

Stresses the importance of using empirical evidence to support reasoning and decision-making.

objectivity

Highlights impartiality and the avoidance of personal bias.

FAQs

How can I use "rationality" in a sentence?

You can use "rationality" to describe the quality of being based on reason or logic. For example, "The success of the project depended on the team's commitment to "rationality" and sound decision-making."

What are some synonyms for "rationality"?

Alternatives to "rationality" include "reasonableness", "sound judgment", "logic", and "reason". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "rationality" and "rationalism"?

"Rationality" refers to the quality of being rational or reasonable. "Rationalism", on the other hand, is a philosophical viewpoint that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge.

In what contexts is "rationality" most applicable?

"Rationality" is often used in discussions of economics, politics, and personal decision-making, where the emphasis is on logical and evidence-based approaches. Using it to describe emotional topics may be considered inappropriate.