irrational

UK: ɪˈræʃənəl | US: ɪˈræʃənəl

Definition
  1. adj. not based on or using reason or logic

  2. adj. (mathematics) (of a number) not expressible as a ratio of integers

Structure
ir <not>ration <reason>al <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "irrational" originates from Latin irrationalis, combining the negative prefix ir- (variant of in- before "r") with rationalis (from ratio, meaning "reason" or "calculation"). The root ratio evolved into English "reason" and "rational," while ir- negates the meaning. The term initially described illogical thought but later expanded to mathematics for numbers like √2 that cannot be expressed as fractions.

Examples
  1. His fear of spiders was completely irrational.

  2. The decision seemed irrational to everyone involved.

  3. √2 is an example of an irrational number.

  4. She regretted her irrational outburst during the meeting.

  5. Ancient Greeks discovered the existence of irrational numbers.