Phrase guide

motivated reasoning

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The phenomenon of seeking out rational arguments in favor of a conclusion already reached for non-rational (chiefly emotional) reasons.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Instead of engaging in motivated reasoning, they prefer to see where the evidence leads them.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 動機推理 /动机推理 (dòngjī tuīlǐ) — phenomenon
  • Finnish: tarkoitushakuinen päättely — phenomenon
  • German: Motivated Reasoning — phenomenon
  • Polish: rozumowanie tendencyjne — phenomenon
  • Polish: rozumowanie umotywowane — phenomenon