subrational

[suhb-rash-uh-nl]

adjective

1. less than or almost rational.

Word History and Origins

Origin of subrational¹

First recorded in 1860–65; sub- + rational

Example Sentences

He once wrote a letter to a scientist friend—summarized in this 2002 profile of him from New York magazine—that’s ostensibly about termite society, but what it really describes, with uncanny insight, are the sticky, subrational alliances of the puerile ultra-rich.

From Slate

Yet very often a distinct delusion may be reasoned out of even a subrational person, if it is taken seriously, and some striking expression of its irrationality and of its total disagreement with scientific views can be shown to the patient.

From Project Gutenberg

It does not make so much difference if the thoroughly rational individual occasionally escapes punishment for something done, but whenever the subrational escapes, he is encouraged to do it again.

From Project Gutenberg

It is for the subrational that we most need to insist on punishment.

From Project Gutenberg

So far as possible, punishment must inevitably follow crime in the world, in order to impress the subrational and deter them from yielding to impulses.

From Project Gutenberg