Meaning & use
rational
Last updated
Based on clear thinking and logic rather than emotion; able to reason sensibly.
See it in a sentence
Even under pressure, she made a rational decision instead of panicking.
It's not rational to expect perfect results on the first attempt.
A note on using this word
In mathematics, a 'rational number' is one that can be expressed as a fraction of two integers, a more technical sense of the word.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
irrationalemotional
Another way to use it
2. adjective
In mathematics, describing a number that can be expressed as a ratio of two integers.
Three-quarters is a rational number because it can be written as 3/4.
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