rationalnessn.
/ˈraʃn̩(ə)lnəs/, /ˈraʃən(ə)lnəs/, U.S. /ˈræʃ(ə)nəlnəs/ The quality or state of being rational. Cf. rationality n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > [noun] > basis in reason
reasonablenessc1443
place1593
rationality1637
rationalness?1649
?1649 H. Hammond Of Reasonableness Christian Relig. iv. xxiv. 123 This is a great enhansement, and evidence of the rationalness of our Religion.
a1712 T. Halyburton Mem. (1714) ii. iv. 49 I must bear Witness to the Rationalness of God's Way.
1780 T. Sheridan Gen. Dict. Eng. Lang. II Rationalness, the state of being rational.
1857 N. Amer. Rev. July 243 We have also been impressed equally with the simplicity, the rationalness, and the beauty of the author's own views of the heavenly state.
1889 J. J. Thomas Froudacity 215 The existence of a Deity and the rationalness of entreating him in prayer.
1919 P. Grainger Let. 12 Mar. in All-round Man (1994) 42 The old vikings believed in ghosts, but did not allow their superstitions to influence their actions, which were governed by rationalness.
1997 Kirkus Rev. (Nexis) 1 Mar. Wilbur's clarity and his rationalness—his lack of romantic sympathies—will strengthen his appeal for some.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2008; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.?1649