RATIONAL


Meaning of RATIONAL in English

/ ˈræʃnəl; NAmE / adjective

1.

( of behaviour, ideas, etc. ) based on reason rather than emotions :

a rational argument / choice / decision

rational analysis / thought

There is no rational explanation for his actions.

2.

( of a person ) able to think clearly and make decisions based on reason rather than emotions

SYN reasonable :

No rational person would ever behave like that.

OPP irrational

►  ra·tion·al·ity / ˌræʃəˈnæləti; NAmE / noun [ U ]:

the rationality of his argument

►  ra·tion·al·ly / ˈræʃnəli; NAmE / adverb :

to act / behave / think rationally

She argued her case calmly and rationally.

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WORD ORIGIN

late Middle English (in the sense having the ability to reason ): from Latin rationalis , from ratio(n-) reckoning, reason, from rat- reckoned, from the verb reri .

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.