Synonyms in Detail: rational and reasonable Usage & Differences

What context can I use each word in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

rational

Example

It's not rational to spend all your money on something you don't need. [rational: adjective]

Example

She is a rational person who always thinks things through before making a decision. [rational: noun]

reasonable

Example

The price of the product seems reasonable considering its quality. [reasonable: adjective]

Example

He is a reasonable boss who always listens to his employees' concerns. [reasonable: noun]

Good things to know

Which word is more common?

Reasonable is more commonly used than rational in everyday language.

Whatโ€™s the difference in the tone of formality between rational and reasonable?

Both rational and reasonable can be used in formal and informal contexts, but rational may be slightly more formal due to its emphasis on logical reasoning.

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