rationalist

C2 Topic:Abstract Ideas

US /ˈræʃ.ən.əl.ɪst/ UK /ˈræʃ.ən.əl.ɪst/ See IPA manual

Freq #76929

Meanings

1

noun
a follower of rationalism, especially one who regards reason as a principal source of knowledge

The rationalist argued that some truths can be known independently of experience.
2

adj
relating to rationalism or characterized by reliance on reason

Her rationalist account contrasts sharply with the empiricist explanation.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · a follower of rationalism,... rationalistic thinker

2 adj · relating to rationalism or... rationalistic

Opposites

irrationalistempiricist traditionalist

Word family

Forms rationalists

Derived forms antirationalistnonrationalistpseudorationalistrationalistic

Related forms rationalism reason empiricism rationality

Etymology

Borrowed from French rationaliste, or formed in English from rational + -ist. Rational ultimately comes from Latin rationalis, from ratio ("reckoning, reason"). In philosophy, rationalist became a label for thinkers who give reason a foundational role in knowledge.

Topics

Abstract Ideas Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

# rationalist

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2
**Part of speech:** noun, adj
**IPA (US):** /ˈræʃ.ən.əl.ɪst/
**IPA (UK):** /ˈræʃ.ən.əl.ɪst/
**Frequency rank:** 76929

## Meanings
1. a follower of rationalism, especially one who regards reason as a principal source of knowledge
2. relating to rationalism or characterized by reliance on reason

## Examples
- The rationalist argued that some truths can be known independently of experience.
- Her rationalist account contrasts sharply with the empiricist explanation.

## Synonyms
- rationalistic thinker

## Antonyms
- irrationalist
- empiricist
- traditionalist

## Derived Forms
- antirationalist
- nonrationalist
- pseudorationalist
- rationalistic

## Related Forms
- rationalism
- reason
- empiricism
- rationality

## Etymology
Borrowed from French rationaliste, or formed in English from rational + -ist. Rational ultimately comes from Latin rationalis, from ratio ("reckoning, reason"). In philosophy, rationalist became a label for thinkers who give reason a foundational role in knowledge.

## Topics
- Abstract Ideas
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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