a theory that nonrational forces govern the universe
Derived forms
irrationalist
adjective or noun
irrationalistic
adjective
Word origin
[1805–15; irrational + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1805–15. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: makeup, napoleon, one-sided, platinum, soufflé-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nounsfrom verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice,state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion oradherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)
Examples of 'irrationalism' in a sentence
irrationalism
For when primitive irrationalism allies itself to excessive legalism, we turn ourselves into wards of the state.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Taxing capital gains on home sales - partially offset by the abolition of stamp duty - would break this cycle of irrationalism.