At the A1 level, the word irrationnel might seem a bit long, but you can understand it as 'not logical' or 'crazy'. Imagine you see someone wearing a heavy coat in the middle of a very hot summer day. That doesn't make sense, right? You could say that is irrationnel. It is an adjective, which means it describes a thing or a person. If you are talking about a boy or a masculine thing (like 'un comportement'), you say irrationnel. If you are talking about a girl or a feminine thing (like 'une idée'), you say irrationnelle. At this level, just remember that it means 'it doesn't make sense'. You might hear it in simple sentences like 'C'est irrationnel !' (That's irrational!).
Even though it is a big word, you can break it down. 'Ir-' means 'not', and 'rationnel' means 'rational' or 'logical'. So, 'not logical'. You can use it to talk about fears, like being afraid of a tiny, harmless spider. 'Ma peur est irrationnelle.' (My fear is irrational.) It’s a good word to know because it sounds very smart! Try to use it when you see something that makes you scratch your head and say 'Why are they doing that?'.
At the A2 level, you can start using irrationnel to describe feelings and simple decisions. You already know words like 'bête' (stupid) or 'fou' (crazy), but irrationnel is more precise. It means that there is no good reason for something. For example, if you decide to walk home in the rain when you have a car, your friend might say 'C'est irrationnel !'. You can also use it to describe phobias. 'J'ai une peur irrationnelle des clowns.' (I have an irrational fear of clowns.) Notice how the adjective comes after the noun 'peur'.
When you use this word, pay attention to the gender. For masculine nouns, it's irrationnel. For feminine nouns, it's irrationnelle. In the plural, just add an 's': irrationnels or irrationnelles. This is a great word to use in your simple writing assignments when you want to explain why a character in a story is doing something strange. It shows the teacher that you are moving beyond basic vocabulary. Try to practice the pronunciation: ir-ra-tion-nel. The 'tion' sounds like 'syon'.
At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more abstract topics, and irrationnel is perfect for this. You can use it to discuss opinions, arguments, and social trends. For instance, in a debate about the environment, you might say: 'Il est irrationnel de continuer à polluer si nous voulons sauver la planète.' (It is irrational to continue polluting if we want to save the planet.) Here, you are using the impersonal 'Il est... de...' structure, which is very common at this level. You can also talk about the 'comportement irrationnel' of people during sales or in stressful situations.
You should also be aware of the noun form, l'irrationalité. This is the quality of being irrational. 'L'irrationalité de sa décision m'a surpris.' (The irrationality of his decision surprised me.) At B1, you can also start to contrast it with synonyms like 'illogique' or 'absurde'. Remember that irrationnel usually suggests a deeper lack of logic than just a simple mistake. It often involves emotions or beliefs that don't match reality. Using this word correctly in your oral exams will help you reach a higher score by demonstrating your ability to express complex thoughts.
At the B2 level, irrationnel is a key term for analyzing texts and participating in formal discussions. You should be able to use it to describe complex systems, like 'les marchés financiers' (financial markets) or 'les mouvements de foule' (crowd movements). For example: 'Les économistes étudient souvent l'exubérance irrationnelle des investisseurs.' (Economists often study the irrational exuberance of investors.) You should also be comfortable with the adverbial form, irrationnellement, and use it to describe actions: 'Il a agi irrationnellement sous l'effet de la panique.'
At this level, you should understand the nuance between irrationnel and déraisonnable. While 'déraisonnable' might apply to an expensive price or an excessive demand, irrationnel points to a fundamental flaw in the logic of the thought process itself. In your essays, use irrationnel to critique theories or to explore psychological depths in literature. For instance, you could analyze a character's 'pulsions irrationnelles' in a novel by Zola or Camus. Mastering this word allows you to engage with the 'Cartesian' nature of French culture, where logic and reason are highly prized and their absence is carefully noted.
At the C1 level, you use irrationnel with precision in academic or professional contexts. You can discuss 'le versant irrationnel de l'être humain' in a philosophical essay or analyze 'les biais cognitifs irrationnels' in a psychology report. You should be able to integrate the word into sophisticated sentence structures, such as: 'Nonobstant la rigueur de son analyse, l'auteur succombe parfois à des conclusions irrationnelles, dictées par ses propres préjugés.' (Notwithstanding the rigor of his analysis, the author sometimes succumbs to irrational conclusions, dictated by his own prejudices.)
You should also be familiar with the mathematical meaning of 'nombre irrationnel' and be able to use the word as a substantive noun: 'L'irrationnel joue un rôle prépondérant dans la création artistique.' (The irrational plays a preponderant role in artistic creation.) At this level, you are expected to understand the historical and cultural weight of the word, particularly in the context of the Enlightenment (les Lumières) and the subsequent reactions to it in French thought. Your use of irrationnel should reflect a deep understanding of its implications for truth, logic, and human behavior across various disciplines.
At the C2 level, your command of irrationnel is near-native, allowing you to use it in the most subtle and nuanced ways. You can explore the 'aporie de l'irrationnel' in metaphysical discourse or discuss how 'la part d'irrationnel' in political movements can be both a destructive force and a catalyst for change. You might use the word in high-level literary criticism, perhaps discussing how a poet like Rimbaud or Lautréamont sought to 'dérégler tous les sens' to reach an irrationnel state of being. Your vocabulary should also include related terms like 'irrationnalisme' (the philosophical system that prioritizes intuition over reason).
In professional settings, you can use the word to navigate delicate situations: 'Il serait irrationnel de ne pas envisager les conséquences systémiques de cette réforme.' (It would be irrational not to consider the systemic consequences of this reform.) You should have an intuitive grasp of when to use irrationnel versus more obscure terms like 'abracadabrantesque' or 'farfelu', depending on the desired tone and rhetorical effect. At C2, irrationnel is not just a word you know; it is a tool you wield with precision to dissect the complexities of existence and communication in the French language.
The French adjective irrationnel (feminine: irrationnelle) is a powerful descriptor used to characterize thoughts, behaviors, or concepts that defy logic, reason, or empirical evidence. Rooted in the Latin 'irrationalis', the term literally signifies a lack of 'ratio' or proportion. In a linguistic context, it serves as a bridge between the clinical world of psychology and the everyday world of human emotion. When you describe someone's fear as irrationnelle, you are not necessarily insulting their intelligence; rather, you are pointing out that the fear does not align with the actual level of danger present. This word is essential for B2 learners because it allows for nuanced critiques of arguments and behaviors beyond simple adjectives like 'bête' (stupid) or 'faux' (wrong).
- Psychological Context
- In psychology, it refers to cognitive biases or phobias where the mind bypasses logical processing in favor of emotional reactivity. It is the opposite of 'réfléchi' (thought-out).
- Mathematical Context
- A 'nombre irrationnel' is a real number that cannot be expressed as a simple fraction, such as Pi. This usage is strictly technical and formal.
- Economic Context
- Economists often speak of 'exubérance irrationnelle' when markets behave in ways that don't reflect underlying value, often driven by herd mentality.
Sa peur des araignées est totalement irrationnelle car elles sont inoffensives.
Beyond these specific fields, the word is frequently employed in French literature and philosophy to discuss the human condition. Thinkers like Blaise Pascal or Albert Camus often explored the irrationnel nature of existence—the 'absurde'. In modern French conversation, you might hear it used to describe a political decision that seems to ignore economic reality or a romantic attraction that makes no sense to outsiders. The word carries a certain weight; calling a decision 'illogique' is a mild critique, but calling it 'irrationnel' suggests a fundamental break from the foundations of sound judgment. It implies that no amount of data or proof will change the person's mind because the root cause is not intellectual, but visceral or structural. When using this word, keep in mind its gender agreement: 'un comportement irrationnel' (masculine) vs 'une décision irrationnelle' (feminine). The double 'n' in the feminine form is crucial for both spelling and the subtle pronunciation of the final syllable.
Il est irrationnel de penser que l'on peut réussir sans aucun effort.
Furthermore, the word is often paired with intensifiers like 'totalement', 'profondément', or 'purement'. These adverbs help emphasize the degree to which logic has been abandoned. In the realm of history, historians might analyze 'les mouvements irrationnels de la foule' during a revolution, where collective emotion takes over individual restraint. By mastering this word, you gain the ability to describe the complex intersections of human feeling and logical failure. It is a cornerstone of B2-level communication, where abstract concepts become a larger part of your vocabulary. Whether you are discussing a character's motivations in a French novel or explaining why a certain social trend is happening, irrationnel provides the precision needed for high-level discourse.
Les mathématiciens étudient les nombres irrationnels depuis l'Antiquité.
L'investisseur a pris une décision irrationnelle sous l'effet du stress.
- Register
- This is a neutral to formal word. You will find it in newspapers (Le Monde, Le Figaro), academic papers, and serious conversations. It is rarely used in very casual slang.
La haine est souvent un sentiment irrationnel qui détruit celui qui l'éprouve.
Using irrationnel correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior and its placement within a sentence. As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For masculine singular nouns, use irrationnel. For feminine singular, use irrationnelle. For masculine plural, add an 's' to get irrationnels, and for feminine plural, use irrationnelles. This consistency is vital for sounding natural in French. Most often, the adjective follows the noun, which is the standard position for longer adjectives or those expressing a specific quality. For example, 'un comportement irrationnel' (an irrational behavior) or 'des craintes irrationnelles' (irrational fears).
- Subject Complement
- It can be used after 'être' or other state verbs like 'sembler' or 'paraître'. Example: 'Ses propos semblent irrationnels.' (His words seem irrational.)
- Impersonal Expressions
- It is frequently used with the impersonal 'Il est...'. Example: 'Il est irrationnel de refuser cette offre.' (It is irrational to refuse this offer.)
Elle a une peur irrationnelle du vide, même quand elle est en sécurité.
In more complex sentence structures, irrationnel can modify abstract concepts like 'la pensée' (thought), 'la démarche' (approach), or 'le choix' (choice). When you are writing an essay at the B2 level, you might use it to contrast with 'rationnel' or 'logique'. For instance: 'Bien que l'argument paraisse logique à première vue, il repose sur un postulat totalement irrationnel.' (Although the argument seems logical at first glance, it rests on a totally irrational premise.) This contrast is a hallmark of sophisticated French writing. You can also use it to describe a person's state of mind during a crisis. 'Sous le coup de la panique, il a agi de manière irrationnelle.' Note that in this case, we use the adverbial form 'de manière irrationnelle' or the adverb 'irrationnellement' to describe the action itself.
Les marchés financiers sont parfois mus par des forces irrationnelles.
When discussing science or philosophy, the word takes on a more technical tone. In mathematics, you will always hear 'un nombre irrationnel'. In philosophy, you might discuss 'le côté irrationnel de l'âme humaine'. Notice how the word maintains its form but shifts its weight depending on the noun it accompanies. If you are describing a person directly, you could say 'Tu es irrationnel !', but this is quite a strong statement, suggesting the person is being impossible to reason with. It is often more polite to describe their behavior or reaction as irrational rather than the person themselves. For example, 'Ta réaction est irrationnelle' is slightly less personal than 'Tu es irrationnel'. This distinction is important for navigating social nuances in French-speaking cultures.
C'est un choix irrationnel qui ne tient pas compte des risques réels.
- Negation
- To say something is NOT irrational, you can say 'Ce n'est pas irrationnel' or simply use 'rationnel'. 'Il n'est pas irrationnel de s'inquiéter pour l'avenir' (It is not irrational to worry about the future).
Leurs disputes sont souvent déclenchées par des motifs irrationnels.
Finally, consider the rhythm of the sentence. The word irrationnel has four syllables (ir-ra-tion-nel), which gives it a certain cadence. In spoken French, ensure you pronounce the 'r' clearly and don't rush the 'tion' (pronounced 'syon') sound. Because it is a long word, it often ends a sentence or a clause with emphasis. 'Tout cela me semble... irrationnel.' This pause can add dramatic effect to your speech, highlighting your disbelief or your analytical conclusion. Practice saying 'une décision irrationnelle' to get used to the transition between the feminine noun and the adjective. The more you use it in context, the more natural it will feel to apply this essential B2 term to describe the complexities of the world around you.
Certaines traditions peuvent paraître irrationnelles aux yeux des étrangers.
You will encounter the word irrationnel in a variety of real-world contexts in France and other Francophone countries. One of the most common places is in the media, specifically during news segments focusing on the economy or politics. When the stock market (la Bourse) experiences a sudden, unexplained drop or surge, analysts often refer to 'le comportement irrationnel des investisseurs'. This suggests that the market is being driven by fear or greed rather than by hard data. Similarly, in political commentary, journalists might describe a voter's choice or a government policy as irrationnelle if it seems to go against the logical interests of the public. Listening to radio stations like France Culture or France Inter will provide many examples of this word being used in high-level debates.
- In the Doctor's Office
- Psychologists and therapists use this word to help patients identify 'pensées irrationnelles'—automatic negative thoughts that aren't based on reality. It's a key term in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TCC).
- In the Classroom
- From middle school (collège) onwards, French students learn about 'les nombres irrationnels' like √2 or π. In philosophy class (la philo), which is mandatory for the Baccalauréat, students discuss the 'part d'irrationnel' in human nature.
Le débat télévisé a montré à quel point les arguments peuvent devenir irrationnels sous la pression.
Another sphere where irrationnel appears is in literature and cinema. French culture has a long history of exploring the surreal and the illogical. In movie reviews, you might read that a plot twist was 'totalement irrationnel', meaning it didn't make sense within the world of the film. In literature, characters are often torn between their 'raison' (reason) and their 'pulsions irrationnelles' (irrational impulses). This internal conflict is a staple of French classicism (like Racine) and modern existentialism. If you are watching a French film and a character is acting out of character due to love or anger, another character might shout, 'C'est irrationnel !' or 'Tu es complètement irrationnelle !' This adds a layer of intellectual critique even in emotional moments.
Il y a une part d'irrationnel dans chaque grande découverte scientifique.
In everyday life, you might hear this word during a heated discussion between friends or family members. If someone is making an excuse that doesn't hold water, a friend might say, 'Ton explication est irrationnelle.' It is also common in discussions about superstitions or urban legends. 'Croire aux fantômes est irrationnel, mais beaucoup de gens le font.' (Believing in ghosts is irrational, but many people do.) In professional settings, a manager might warn against 'les décisions irrationnelles prises dans l'urgence'. By paying attention to these different environments, you will see that irrationnel is not just a dry, academic word, but a vibrant part of how French speakers evaluate the world, people's actions, and the mysteries of life.
Les croyances irrationnelles persistent malgré les avancées de la science.
- In Science Journals
- Articles about neuroscience often discuss 'les mécanismes irrationnels du cerveau', exploring why humans don't always act in their own best interest.
L'artiste explore le côté irrationnel de la psyché humaine à travers ses œuvres.
Finally, the word is often found in legal contexts. While 'déraisonnable' is more common in legal statutes, 'irrationnel' might be used in a judge's summary to describe a defendant's state of mind or a logic that no 'personne raisonnable' would follow. Whether you are reading a high-brow essay in 'Le Monde' or chatting with a French friend about their weirdest fears, irrationnel is the perfect tool to describe that which escapes the bounds of logic. It is a word that bridges the gap between the head and the heart, making it indispensable for any advanced learner of the French language.
Il est parfois difficile de lutter contre un sentiment irrationnel.
When learning to use irrationnel, English speakers often encounter a few common pitfalls. The first and most frequent mistake is related to gender and number agreement. In English, 'irrational' never changes, but in French, you must remember the four forms: irrationnel, irrationnelle, irrationnels, irrationnelles. A common error is writing 'une peur irrationnel' instead of 'une peur irrationnelle'. The double 'n' and the 'e' at the end are not just for show; they signify the feminine gender of the noun 'peur'. Always check the gender of your noun before applying the adjective.
- Confusion with 'Déraisonnable'
- While they are similar, 'déraisonnable' often implies a lack of wisdom or excessive behavior (like spending too much money), whereas 'irrationnel' implies a lack of logical foundation. Using 'irrationnel' to describe an expensive pair of shoes might be slightly too strong unless the purchase literally makes no sense.
- Pronunciation Errors
- Learners often struggle with the 'tion' sound. It is /sjɔ̃/, like the end of 'attention', not /ʃən/ like in English. Also, ensure the 'i' at the start is a sharp French 'i' /i/, and the 'r' is guttural.
Faux : C'est une idée irrationnel. Correct : C'est une idée irrationnelle.
Another mistake is the placement of the adjective. While some short, common adjectives like 'beau' or 'petit' go before the noun, irrationnel is a multi-syllabic adjective of quality that almost always follows the noun. Saying 'une irrationnelle crainte' is grammatically awkward and sounds like a bad translation from English. Stick to 'une crainte irrationnelle'. Additionally, be careful not to confuse 'irrationnel' with 'illogique'. 'Illogique' is often used for a specific error in a sequence of thoughts, while 'irrationnel' is broader and can describe a person's entire worldview or a deep-seated emotion. If someone says 2+2=5, they are 'illogique'. If they believe the moon is made of cheese despite seeing photos, they are 'irrationnel'.
Attention : 'Irrationalité' est le nom, 'irrationnel' est l'adjectif. Ne dites pas 'C'est une irrationnel'.
Furthermore, some learners try to use 'irrationnel' as a noun without an article. While 'l'irrationnel' can be used as a noun to describe the general concept of the irrational (e.g., 'L'irrationnel nous attire'), you usually need the article. If you want to say 'That is irrational', use 'C'est irrationnel'. Don't forget the 't' in 'C'est'—the liaison is often heard: /sɛ.ti.ʁa.sjɔ.nɛl/. Finally, avoid overusing the word. In casual conversation, French people might use more colorful terms like 'n'importe quoi' (nonsense) or 'c'est nase' (that's lame/stupid). Reserve irrationnel for situations that truly warrant a critique of logic or for formal writing. By avoiding these common errors, you will use the word with the precision of a native speaker.
Ne confondez pas irrationnel avec 'absurde'. L'absurde est souvent une forme d'art ou de philosophie délibérée.
- Spelling Checklist
- Two 'r's? Yes. One 't'? Yes. 'tion' ending? Yes. Gender agreement at the end? Yes.
Il est irrationnel de s'énerver contre un ordinateur qui ne fonctionne pas.
One final nuance: in English, we sometimes say 'irrational' to mean 'angry' or 'hysterical'. In French, irrationnel stays strictly in the realm of logic. If someone is just being emotional, you might say they are 'émotif' or 'à cran' (on edge). Use irrationnel specifically when their reasoning is the problem. Mastering this distinction will help you avoid sounding like you are misusing the word in social contexts. Practice writing sentences that contrast 'rationnel' and 'irrationnel' to solidify your understanding of when each applies.
Sa réaction était irrationnelle car il n'y avait aucun danger réel.
To expand your French vocabulary, it's helpful to know synonyms and alternatives to irrationnel. Depending on the context, you might want a word that is stronger, milder, or more informal. The closest synonym is illogique, which refers specifically to a failure in reasoning. If someone says they will be home in five minutes but they are still an hour away, their statement is 'illogique'. However, if they believe they can fly by jumping off a building, that is 'irrationnel'. Another common alternative is insensé, which literally means 'without sense'. It is often used for actions that are so irrational they seem crazy. 'C'est un projet insensé !' (That's a crazy/insane project!)
- Absurde
- Stronger than 'irrationnel', it suggests something that is not just illogical but completely nonsensical or ridiculous. Think of 'Le Mythe de Sisyphe' by Camus.
- Déraisonnable
- Often used for behavior or demands. 'Un prix déraisonnable' means an unreasonable price. It's more about lack of moderation than lack of logic.
- Incohérent
- Used when parts of a whole don't fit together. If a story has many plot holes, it is 'incohérent'.
Il est insensé de partir sans boussole dans cette forêt.
In more formal or literary contexts, you might find déraisonné, which implies that the person has stopped using their reason. This is often used for passions or fears. 'Une passion déraisonnée' (An unreasoned/wild passion). On the other hand, if you want to be more casual, you can use absurde or even fou/folle. 'C'est fou !' is a very common way to say 'That's irrational/crazy!' in daily conversation. However, as a B2 learner, using irrationnel correctly will show a higher level of linguistic sophistication. It allows you to be specific about why something is wrong—it's not just 'crazy', it specifically lacks a logical basis.
Cette théorie est illogique car elle contredit les faits connus.
Antonyms are also useful for contrast. The most obvious is rationnel. Other opposites include logique, raisonnable, sensé, cohérent, and réfléchi. When writing a French essay, you can use these to build a balanced argument. 'Bien que certains aspects soient irrationnels, la conclusion globale reste sensée.' (Although some aspects are irrational, the overall conclusion remains sensible.) This kind of sentence structure is exactly what examiners look for at the B2 and C1 levels. By understanding the spectrum of words related to reason and the lack thereof, you can choose the precise term that fits your intended meaning and register.
L'approche rationnelle est de peser le pour et le contre avant de décider.
- Contextual Choice
- Use 'irrationnel' for: phobias, math, economic trends, philosophical debates. Use 'déraisonnable' for: prices, demands, behavior. Use 'illogique' for: math errors, bad arguments.
C'est une demande déraisonnable compte tenu du peu de temps dont nous disposons.
Finally, don't forget the adverb irrationnellement. It is a long, elegant word that can replace phrases like 'de façon irrationnelle'. 'Il a agi irrationnellement.' Using the adverb can sometimes make your sentence punchier. However, 'de manière irrationnelle' is also very common and slightly easier to pronounce for some learners. Whichever you choose, having a variety of ways to express the concept of irrationality will make your French sound more fluid and natural. Keep practicing these alternatives in different contexts to see which one feels right for the situation.
L'esprit humain est un mélange de pensées logiques et d'impulsions irrationnelles.
Ejemplos por nivel
C'est un choix irrationnel.
It is an irrational choice.
Adjective follows the noun 'choix'.
Elle a une peur irrationnelle.
She has an irrational fear.
Feminine agreement with 'peur'.
Ce n'est pas rationnel, c'est irrationnel.
It is not rational, it is irrational.
Contrast between antonyms.
Il est irrationnel de pleurer.
It is irrational to cry.
Impersonal 'Il est... de...' structure.
Ton idée est irrationnelle.
Your idea is irrational.
Feminine agreement with 'idée'.
Les monstres sont irrationnels.
Monsters are irrational.
Masculine plural agreement.
J'aime cet objet irrationnel.
I like this irrational object.
Masculine singular adjective.
C'est une réaction irrationnelle.
It is an irrational reaction.
Feminine singular adjective.
Il a un comportement irrationnel au travail.
He has irrational behavior at work.
Adjective modifying 'comportement'.
Pourquoi as-tu cette peur irrationnelle de l'eau ?
Why do you have this irrational fear of water?
Direct question with feminine agreement.
Ces arguments me semblent irrationnels.
These arguments seem irrational to me.
Masculine plural with the verb 'sembler'.
Il est irrationnel d'acheter ce téléphone si cher.
It is irrational to buy this phone so expensive.
Impersonal construction.
Sa haine pour ce film est irrationnelle.
His hatred for this movie is irrational.
Feminine singular agreement with 'haine'.
Nous avons des pensées irrationnelles parfois.
We have irrational thoughts sometimes.
Feminine plural agreement with 'pensées'.
C'est un sentiment irrationnel mais fort.
It is an irrational but strong feeling.
Masculine singular agreement.
Elle agit de manière irrationnelle quand elle est fatiguée.
She acts in an irrational way when she is tired.
Adverbial phrase 'de manière...'.
L'exubérance irrationnelle des marchés inquiète les experts.
The irrational exuberance of the markets worries the experts.
Specific economic term.
Il est tout à fait irrationnel de refuser cette aide.
It is completely irrational to refuse this help.
Use of 'tout à fait' as an intensifier.
Certaines croyances populaires sont totalement irrationnelles.
Some popular beliefs are totally irrational.
Feminine plural agreement.
Son refus de discuter est irrationnel et frustrant.
His refusal to discuss is irrational and frustrating.
Adjective used with 'être'.
On ne peut pas gagner avec un plan aussi irrationnel.
One cannot win with such an irrational plan.
Use of 'aussi' to emphasize the degree.
La panique a provoqué une réaction irrationnelle dans la foule.
Panic caused an irrational reaction in the crowd.
Adjective modifying 'réaction'.
Elle a expliqué son geste par un motif irrationnel.
She explained her gesture by an irrational motive.
Masculine singular agreement.
Il est irrationnel de croire que tout va changer sans rien faire.
It is irrational to believe that everything will change without doing anything.
Complex impersonal sentence.
L'approche de ce problème semble profondément irrationnelle.
The approach to this problem seems deeply irrational.
Use of the adverb 'profondément'.
Les nombres irrationnels ne peuvent pas s'écrire sous forme de fraction.
Irrational numbers cannot be written as a fraction.
Mathematical technical term.
Sa jalousie irrationnelle a fini par détruire leur relation.
His irrational jealousy ended up destroying their relationship.
Feminine singular agreement.
Il faut distinguer le rationnel de l'irrationnel dans ce débat.
One must distinguish the rational from the irrational in this debate.
Using the adjective as a substantive noun with 'l''.
Le client a fait une demande irrationnelle au prestataire.
The client made an irrational request to the service provider.
Feminine singular agreement.
Certains comportements irrationnels sont dus à des biais cognitifs.
Some irrational behaviors are due to cognitive biases.
Scientific/psychological context.
Il est irrationnel de nier l'évidence des faits scientifiques.
It is irrational to deny the evidence of scientific facts.
Formal impersonal structure.
La haine est un sentiment irrationnel qui obscurcit le jugement.
Hatred is an irrational feeling that clouds judgment.
Abstract philosophical usage.
L'irrationnel occupe une place prépondérante dans la psychologie des foules.
The irrational occupies a preponderant place in the psychology of crowds.
Noun usage 'l'irrationnel'.
Cette théorie repose sur un postulat totalement irrationnel.
This theory rests on a totally irrational premise.
Academic critique.
Contenido relacionado
Frases relacionadas
Más palabras de general
à cause de
A2Una locución prepositiva que se utiliza para introducir la causa de un hecho, generalmente negativo o neutro. Equivale a 'a causa de' o 'por culpa de'.
à côté
A2Al lado de; junto a.
à côté de
A2Next to, beside.
À droite
A2A la derecha o en el lado derecho. Por ejemplo: 'Gire a la derecha en la esquina'.
À gauche
A2To the left; on the left side.
à la
A2La combinación de la preposición 'à' y el artículo femenino 'la', que significa 'a la' o 'en la'.
à laquelle
B2To which; at which (feminine singular).
à mesure que
B2A medida que; conforme.
abrégé
B1An abstract, summary, or abridgment.
absence
A2The state of being away from a place or person.
