What does "rationalist" mean?
A person who follows the philosophy of rationalism.
Rationalist
noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A person who follows the philosophy of rationalism.
- Grammar: rationalist is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: adherent, advocate, analytic, cartesian.
- Useful contrasts: empiric, lockean, superstitious.
- Usage evidence: “He says,” replied Lord Peter, “that he believes Hannah to be a sincerely religious woman. He has sat beside her in chapel and shared her hymn-book.” “But that may be the merest hypocrisy,” said Miss Murchison, rather warmly, for she was militantly rationalist. “I don’t trust these unctuous people.”
How to use "rationalist"
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Source and review context
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Definition decision workflow
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 A person who follows the philosophy of rationalism.
"“He says,” replied Lord Peter, “that he believes Hannah to be a sincerely religious woman. He has sat beside her in chapel and shared her hymn-book.” “But that may be the merest hypocrisy,” said Miss Murchison, rather warmly, for she was militantly rationalist. “I don’t trust these unctuous people.”"
- 2 someone who emphasizes observable facts and excludes metaphysical speculation about origins or ultimate causes wordnet
- 3 A member of the rationalist community.
"Some rationalists were in touch with Oxford philosophers, including Toby Ord and William MacAskill, the founders of the effective-altruism movement, which studied how to do the most good for humanity (and, by extension, how to avoid ending it)."
Adjective
- 1 of or relating to or characteristic of rationalism wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"“He says,” replied Lord Peter, “that he believes Hannah to be a sincerely religious woman. He has sat beside her in chapel and shared her hymn-book.” “But that may be the merest hypocrisy,” said Miss Murchison, rather warmly, for she was militantly rationalist. “I don’t trust these unctuous people.”"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "rationalist"?
Common synonyms include: adherent, advocate, analytic, cartesian, classical philosophy, deductive.
How do you use "rationalist" in a sentence?
“He says,” replied Lord Peter, “that he believes Hannah to be a sincerely religious woman. He has sat beside her in chapel and shared her hymn-book.” “But that may be the merest hypocrisy,” said Miss Murchison, rather warmly, for she was militantly rationalist. “I don’t trust these unctuous people.”
Etymology
From Middle French rationaliste; rational + -ist.