1.
rationality, reason, logic
The quality of being based on or in accordance with reason or logic. Often used in compound forms.
USAGE: 合理 is rarely used alone; it typically appears in compound forms:
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 合理的 (rational - na-adjective)
- 合理性 (rationality - noun)
- 合理化 (rationalization, streamlining)
- 合理主義 (rationalism)
Note that 合理化 in business contexts often has the negative connotation of 'downsizing' or 'cutting costs' (sometimes at workers' expense).
CONTRAST: 不合理 means 'irrational' or 'unreasonable.'