rational Definition
- 1based on or in accordance with reason or logic
- 2able to think clearly and make decisions based on reason rather than emotion
Using rational: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rational" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
It's not rational to spend all your money on clothes.
Example
She made a rational decision to invest in the stock market.
Example
He tried to explain the situation in a rational way.
Example
We need to approach this problem in a rational manner.
rational Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for rational
Antonyms for rational
Phrases with rational
Example
3 is a rational number because it can be expressed as 3/1.
to try to explain or justify something in a logical or rational way, often to make it seem better than it really is
Example
He tried to rationalize his bad behavior by blaming it on stress at work.
rational expectations
an economic theory that suggests that people make decisions based on their expectations of future events, rather than just reacting to current events
Example
The theory of rational expectations is used to explain how people make decisions about spending and saving money.
Origins of rational
from Latin 'rationalis', meaning 'of reason'
Summary: rational in Brief
The term 'rational' [ˈræʃənl] refers to decisions or actions based on reason or logic, rather than emotion. It is often used in contrast to 'irrational' or 'illogical.' Examples include 'She made a rational decision to invest in the stock market,' and 'We need to approach this problem in a rational manner.' 'Rational' also extends into phrases like 'rational number,' denoting a number that can be expressed as a ratio of two integers.
