French Conversation · Level 25
90 words
French word
irrationnel
Pronunciation
IPA/iʁasjonɛl/
Meaning
- adjectiveirrational
Example
Tout cela me semble irrationnel.
All this seems irrational to me.
More examples
Son comportement est irrationnel.
His behavior is irrational.
Core concept
An idea or choice that stands outside a clear path from evidence to conclusion.
Common phrases
comportement irrationnel
irrational behavior
choix irrationnel
irrational choice
Similar words
illogique: Having no clear logical connection between ideas or explanations.
absurde: Contrary to common sense or reason in a plainly nonsensical way.
déraisonnable: Showing poor judgment or a lack of restraint in actions or demands.
incohérent: Lacking overall coherence, with parts that do not fit together well.
Definition in French
Qui n'obéit pas à la raison; qui manque de logique ou de justification.
Word origin
The French adjective irrationnel descends from Latin irrationalis, combining the negative prefix in- with rationalis, 'relating to reason'.
Usage tips
- When applied directly to a person, irrationnel can sound strongly critical, so it often describes a judgment, reaction, or decision instead.
Opposites
- rationnelrationaladjective
Related words
- irrationalitéirrationalitynoun
- irrationnellementirrationallyadverb