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ra·tion·al

rational

 
 
pronunciation:
rae sh nl
features:
Word Combinations (adjective), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: sensible or reasoned.
Deciding to stay in during the ice storm was a rational choice.Fear of a spider known to be venomous is completely rational, but intense fear of harmless spiders is not.I know them to be rational people, capable of making sound and level-headed decisions.
 
synonyms:
sensible
antonyms:
absurd, arbitrary, fantastic, illogical, irrational, nonrational
similar words:
coherent, legitimate, levelheaded, logical, reasonable, reasoned, reasoning, sane, sound
definition 2: in control of one's senses or mental faculties; not insane, hysterical, or deluded.
He'd had too much to drink and was no longer rational.
synonyms:
clearheaded, sane
antonyms:
deranged, insane, irrational, nonrational
similar words:
lucid, responsible, right, right-minded, sober, sound
definition 3: having intellect; capable of logical thought.
Humans are rational creatures.
antonyms:
nonrational
similar words:
intellectual, intelligent, logical
definition 4: characteristically logical, or marked by the use of logic.
Becoming a lawyer requires a rational mind.They came to an answer through a rational discussion of the issues.She gave a strong, rational argument for her position.
antonyms:
absurd, irrational, nonrational
similar words:
reasonable
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derivations: rationally (adv.), rationalness (n.)
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