rationalistic
UK[ˌræʃ(ə)nəˈlɪstɪk]US[ˌræʃ(ə)nəˈlɪstɪk]
adj
Relating to or based on the principle that reason and logic are the primary sources of knowledge and truth, rather than emotion or religious belief.
adj
Characteristic of a rationalist; excessively or dogmatically reliant on reason.
Morpheme Breakdown
rational
ist
ic
rational
reason
ist
adherent
ic
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'rationalistic' is built upon the Latin foundation of ratio, which originally meant a "reckoning" or "calculation." This concrete sense evolved abstractly to signify the faculty of "reason." The suffix -ist was appended to form 'rationalist,' denoting a person who prioritizes reason as the chief authority. Finally, the adjectival suffix -ic was added, creating a term that describes the quality or methodology of such a thinker. Thus, the term's logic traces a path from the ancient act of mathematical reckoning to a modern philosophical stance emphasizing logical deduction over other means of understanding the world.
Analysis
Structure: rational (reason) + ist (adherent) + ic (adjective suffix)
- rational: From Latin rationalis (of or belonging to reason, reasonable), from ratio (reckoning, reason, calculation). Functions as the core root denoting reason.
- ist: From Greek -istes (agent suffix), via Latin -ista. Functions as a noun-forming suffix meaning a person who practices or is concerned with something.
- ic: From Latin -icus, Greek -ikos (adjective-forming suffix). Functions to form adjectives meaning "of, pertaining to, or characteristic of."
Examples
His rationalistic approach to ethics left little room for intuitive or emotional considerations.
The philosopher's rationalistic worldview was challenged by the complexities of human experience.
The era was marked by a rationalistic spirit that sought to explain all phenomena through natural laws.