rationalism — the practice or principle of basing opinions and actions on reason and knowledge rather than on religious belief or emotional response
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the practice or principle of basing opinions and actions on reason and knowledge rather than on religious belief or emotional response
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈræʃənəˌlɪzəm/
Example Sentences
- The professor's strict rationalism made him reject any ghost stories as mere superstition.
- Her rationalism clashed with her grandmother's belief in fortune telling.
- The detective's rationalism helped him solve the mystery that others attributed to supernatural causes.
rationalism
NOUN[/ˈræʃənəˌlɪzəm/]
the practice or principle of basing opinions and actions on reason and knowledge rather than on religious belief or emotional response
the practice or principle of basing opinions and actions on reason and knowledge rather than on religious belief or emotional response
Rationalism sees through nationalism and materialism
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Rationalism derives from Latin 'ratio' (reason, calculation), entering English via French as a philosophical term during the 17th-18th century Enlightenment. The word emphasizes the power of reason as the primary source of knowledge and truth.
Breakdown
ratio- (reason, calculation) + -al (relating to) + -ism (doctrine, system of beliefs or practices).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The professor's strict rationalism made him reject any ghost stories as mere superstition.”
“Her rationalism clashed with her grandmother's belief in fortune telling.”
“The detective's rationalism helped him solve the mystery that others attributed to supernatural causes.”
“Despite his rationalism, he still knocked on wood for good luck.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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