rational

rational is on the Academic Word List.

Pronunciation

• enPR: ră'sh(ə)nəl, IPA ^(key): /ˈræʃ(ə)nəl/

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Adjective

Positive rational

Comparative more rational

Superlative most rational

1. If something is rational, it makes sense and is based on reason.

   Driving without a seatbelt is simply not rational.

   Use of clean fuels is a healthier and more rational approach to meeting our energy needs.

   Science is more linear, logical and rational than art.

   I don't know what happened, but I'm sure there's a perfectly rational explanation.

2. If someone is rational, they are calm and not emotional.

   It's often difficult to remain rational when people are telling you you're terrible.

Synonym

• logical

Antonym

• irrational

Related words

• rationale
• rationally
• rationality
• rationalize/rationalise
• rationalization/rationalisation