1. below the level of rational thought; not based on reason or logic
Usage: formal; psychology

Examples

• His subrational fears prevented him from making a logical decision.
• The advertisement appealed to subrational impulses rather than conscious reasoning.
• Many consumer choices are driven by subrational emotional responses.
• The therapist explored the patient’s subrational motivations.
• Subrational processes often influence our daily behavior without our awareness.
• The politician’s speech targeted subrational anxieties about change.