irrationality
/i,ræʃə'næliti/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- the state of being irrational; lacking powers of understanding