rational
6 synonyms and 6 antonyms for rational, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Based on clear reasoning and logic rather than emotion.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use rational
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin rationalis, "of reason," from ratio, "reason, calculation."
Full origin of rational →Frequently asked questions
What does “rational” mean?
The word “rational” means based on clear reasoning and logic rather than emotion. In plain terms, sensible and logical, or (in math) expressible as a fraction.
How do you pronounce “rational”?
“Rational” is pronounced RASH-nuhl (/ˈɹæʃ(ə)nəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “rational” in a sentence?
Here is “rational” used in a sentence: “Try to make a rational decision instead of an impulsive one.”
What is the opposite of “rational”?
The opposite of “rational” — its antonyms — are absurd, irrational, nonsensical, arbitrary and arational.
What part of speech is “rational”?
“Rational” is an adjective.
Where does the word “rational” come from?
The word “rational” comes from Latin. From Latin rationalis, "of reason," from ratio, "reason, calculation.".
Is “rational” a common word?
“Rational” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “rational” have?
“Rational” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: based on clear reasoning and logic rather than emotion.
What is the difference between rational and reasonable?
Rational emphasizes that something is based on clear reasoning and logic rather than emotion, as in "a rational decision." Reasonable emphasizes fairness and moderation, as in "a reasonable price" or "a reasonable request." A rational argument is logically sound; a reasonable one is fair and sensible.
What is the difference between rational and rationale?
Rational is an adjective meaning based on logic rather than emotion, while rationale is a noun meaning the set of reasons or logical basis behind a decision. You might explain the rationale for a plan and hope your audience finds it rational. The two are often confused because they look and sound similar.
What makes a number rational in mathematics?
In mathematics, a rational number is any number that can be written as a fraction of two whole numbers, such as 1/2, 3 (which equals 3/1), or 0.75 (which equals 3/4). Numbers that cannot be written this way, such as pi or the square root of 2, are called irrational numbers.
What is the opposite of rational?
The most direct opposite of rational is irrational, meaning not based on clear reasoning or logic. Depending on context, illogical, absurd, or arbitrary can also serve as opposites. In mathematics, irrational specifically describes a number that cannot be expressed as a fraction of two whole numbers.