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rational Definition

ra·tional (ras̸h′ən əl)

adjective

  1. of, based on, or derived from reasoning rational powers
  2. able to reason; reasoning; in possession of one's reason or sanity
  3. showing reason; not foolish or silly; sensible a rational argument
  4. Math.
    1. designating or of a real number or quantity expressible as the ratio of two integers, with the second integer not being equal to zero: all integers and fractions are rational numbers
    2. designating a function expressible as the quotient of two polynomials

Etymology: ME racional < L rationalis < ratio: see reason

rational Related Forms

ra′·tion·ally adverb ra′·tion·al·ness noun

rational Synonyms

rational

modif.

  1. Acting in accordance with reason

    reasonable, logical, sensible, stable, calm, cool, deliberate, discerning, discriminating, level-headed, collected, ratiocinative, thoughtful, knowing, of sound judgment, showing good sense, impartial, exercising reason, intelligent, wise, reasoning, prudent, circumspect, intellectual, reflective, philosophic, objective, far-sighted, enlightened, well-advised, judicious, analytical, deductive, synthetic, perspicacious, conscious, balanced, sober, systematic, all there*, together*; see also reasonable 1.

    Antonyms irrational, absurd, rash*.

  2. Of a nature that appeals to reason

    intelligent, sensible, wise; see judicious, reasonable 1, 2.

  3. Sane

    normal, lucid, responsible, clearheaded; see sane 1.

rational implies the ability to reason logically, as by drawing conclusions from inferences, and often connotes the absence of emotionalism a rational explanation for the mysterious events; reasonable suggests the use of practical reason in making decisions, choices, etc. that are fair or show good judgment a reasonable solution to a problem; sensible implies the use of common sense or sound judgment you made a sensible decision

rational Usage Examples

Preposition: in

  • sense: What the theory does NOT assert is that any particular religious belief is rational in the sense of likely to be true.
  • term: That which sounds rational in terms of national economics is, however, overturned by the business logic of individual employers.

Infinitive complement

  • believe: Can it be shown to be reasonable or rational to believe in God?
  • expect: Was it rational to expect that they would contradict all this by attacking us militarily?
  • suppose: Is it rational to suppose that disorder generates order?

Modifies a noun

  • explanation: There is a rational explanation: in some of these mutants, particular subsets of nerve cells are absent.
  • being: An intensely rational being from an intensely rational reality.
  • thought: All rational thought has been suspended in the institution.
  • argument: Also, you say you are trying to have a rational argument on a board which attracts " irrational thinkers " .
  • debate: In a rational debate this would not need to be said.
  • thinking: It suspended rational thinking about the ultimate aim of national security: to ensure the survival of the nation.

Modifying Another Word

  • boundedly: Consequently the firms ' decisions must be modeled as boundedly rational rules, but learning must also be integrated.
  • economically: It is economically rational to encourage good managers into innovative sectors of the economy.
  • perfectly: He seems perfectly rational, don't you agree?
  • purely: Science, if it is to be based on a purely rational endeavor, cannot rely on non-natural explanations.
  • supposedly: It analyzes the main reasons why supposedly rational, sophisticated organizations seem to dig enormous, disastrous holes for themselves.
  • entirely: The 60 % of the electors of Liverpool Riverside who did not vote last time were entirely rational.

Used with adjective complement

  • appear: Then it comes to appear rational to iron out all differences.
  • seem: He seems perfectly rational, don't you agree?
  • sound: That which sounds rational in terms of national economics is, however, overturned by the business logic of individual employers.

Browse dictionary entries near rational

  1. ‹ ration
  2. ‹ ratiocination
  3. ‹ ratiocinate
  4. ‹ ratio spread
  5. ‹ ratio hedge
  6. ‹ ratio decidende
  7. ‹ ratio
  8. ‹ rating
  9. ‹ ratiné
  10. ‹ ratify
  1. rational basis test ›
  2. rationale ›
  3. rationalism ›
  4. rationality ›
  5. rationalize ›
  6. rationally ›
  7. ratite ›
  8. ratline ›
  9. ratoon ›
  10. rats ›