Rational
/ˈræʃənəl/
Definitions
3 meaningsCharacterized by or based on reason; logical.
/ˈræʃənəl/
Based on or in accordance with reason or logic.
The scientist presented a rational explanation for the phenomenon.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to decide which ice cream flavor to get. A rational choice means you think about things like how much you like each flavor, how much they cost, and whether you're already full. It's all about making smart decisions using your brain!
👶 For kids: Being rational means using your brain to think carefully and make good choices.
More Examples
She approached the problem with a rational mind.
His actions seemed rational, given the circumstances.
How It's Used
"A rational argument is based on logical principles."
"He made a rational decision after considering all the factors."
"It's important to be rational in times of crisis."
Having the ability to think and reason.
/ˈræʃənəl/
Possessing or exercising the power of reason.
Rational creatures can distinguish between right and wrong.
💡 Simply: This is like saying someone has a super-powered brain! They're good at thinking, figuring things out, and using their brains to solve problems. They can understand why things happen.
👶 For kids: Being rational means you can think and figure things out.
More Examples
The ability to reason is a characteristic of rational beings.
Humans are considered rational animals.
How It's Used
"Rational beings can understand abstract concepts."
"Humans are rational animals."
A being or entity that is capable of reasoning or is reasonable.
/ˈræʃənəl/
A person with the ability to reason.
A rational can understand the complexity of the situation.
💡 Simply: This is like saying someone has a super-powered brain! They're good at thinking, figuring things out, and using their brains to solve problems. They can understand why things happen.
👶 For kids: A person that can think carefully and make good choices.
More Examples
The rational was the only one who could navigate the issue with logic.
Only the rational could assess and find an appropriate solution.
How It's Used
"Rational beings can understand abstract concepts."
"As a rational, they would understand the argument."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
rational choice theory
A framework for understanding and often modeling social and economic behavior based on the assumption that individuals make rational choices.
"Rational choice theory is often applied to explain political behavior."
From Latin rationalis, meaning "of reason," from ratio "reason." The word has been used since the 14th century, primarily in philosophical and logical contexts.
The word has been used in philosophical and scientific discourse since the 17th century, and became particularly important in the Enlightenment era.
Memory tip
Think of a RAT in a LOGICal situation.