— rationally , adv. — rationalness , n.
/rash"euh nl, rash"nl/ , adj.
1. agreeable to reason; reasonable; sensible: a rational plan for economic development.
2. having or exercising reason, sound judgment, or good sense: a calm and rational negotiator.
3. being in or characterized by full possession of one's reason; sane; lucid: The patient appeared perfectly rational.
4. endowed with the faculty of reason: rational beings.
5. of, pertaining to, or constituting reasoning powers: the rational faculty.
6. proceeding or derived from reason or based on reasoning: a rational explanation.
7. Math.
a. capable of being expressed exactly by a ratio of two integers.
b. (of a function) capable of being expressed exactly by a ratio of two polynomials.
8. Class. Pros. capable of measurement in terms of the metrical unit or mora.
n.
9. Math. See rational number .
[ 1350-1400; ME racional rationalis, equiv. to ration- (s. of ratio ) REASON + -alis -AL 1 ]
Syn. 2. intelligent, wise, judicious, sagacious, enlightened. 6. See reasonable .
Ant. 2. stupid. 3. insane.