rationalist

Meanings

1. 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. 2
   adj

   relating to rationalism or characterized by reliance on reason

   Her rationalist account contrasts sharply with the empiricist explanation.

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.

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