Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state or quality of being irrational: This refers to the condition of not being based on or using reason or logic. It implies a lack of sound judgment.
   • An irrational action, belief, or thought: This refers to a specific instance of irrational behavior or an idea that defies logical reasoning.

Usage Examples

• Noun (State/Quality):
  • The irrationality of his fear became clear when he realized the spider was harmless.
  • The decision was marked by sheer irrationality and emotion.
• Noun (Specific Instance):
  • She pointed out the fundamental irrationality of the superstition.
  • His argument was full of contradictions and irrationalities.

Advanced Usage

• "The irrationality of the situation": Used to describe a circumstance that is fundamentally illogical or unreasonable.
  • We were all struck by the complete irrationality of the situation.
• "Bordering on irrationality": Describes an action or belief that is almost, but not completely, irrational.
  • His stubborn refusal to accept the evidence was bordering on irrationality.

Variants and Related Words

• Irrational (adj): Not logical or reasonable.
  • It was an irrational fear of open spaces.
• Irrationalism (n): A system of belief or action that disregards or contradicts rational principles.
  • The philosophy was criticized for its embrace of irrationalism.

Synonyms

• Illogicality: The quality of being illogical.
• Unreasonableness: The state of not being governed by or listening to reason.
• Absurdity: The quality or state of being ridiculous or wildly unreasonable.

Antonyms

• Rationality: The quality of being based on or in accordance with reason or logic.
• Reasonableness: The quality of being fair, sensible, and based on good judgment.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Act of irrationality: A specific deed performed without logical basis.
  • Destroying the documents in a panic was an act of pure irrationality.
• Sink into irrationality: To gradually adopt or fall into an irrational state of mind.
  • Under immense stress, he began to sink into irrationality.

Noun

1. the state of being irrational; lacking powers of understanding