rational

[ rash-uh-nl, rash-nl ]
/ ˈræʃ ə nl, ˈræʃ nl /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR rational ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

noun

Mathematics. rational number.

Origin of rational

1350–1400; Middle English racional < Latin ratiōnālis, equivalent to ratiōn- (stem of ratiō) reason + -ālis -al1

OTHER WORDS FROM rational

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH rational

rational reasonable (see synonym study at reasonable)

Words nearby rational

ratio test, ratiocinate, ratiocination, ratiometer, ration, rational, rational form, rational function, rational horizon, rational number, rational operation

Words related to rational

levelheaded, sensible, wise, normal, impartial, lucid, deliberate, logical, judicious, thoughtful, sane, reasonable, stable, balanced, analytical, enlightened, prudent, intelligent, sober, knowing

Example sentences from the Web for rational

British Dictionary definitions for rational

rational
/ (ˈræʃənəl) /

adjective

using reason or logic in thinking out a problem
in accordance with the principles of logic or reason; reasonable
of sound mind; sane the patient seemed quite rational
endowed with the capacity to reason; capable of logical thought man is a rational being
maths expressible as a ratio of two integers or polynomials a rational number; a rational function

noun

maths a rational number

Derived forms of rational

rationally, adverb rationalness, noun

Word Origin for rational

C14: from Latin ratiōnālis, from ratiō reason

Medical definitions for rational

rational
[ răsh′ə-nəl ]

adj.

Having or exercising the ability to reason.
Influenced by reasoning rather than by emotion.
Of sound mind; sane.
Based on scientific knowledge or theory rather than practical observation.