You searched for: “rational
rational (adjective), more rational, most rational
1. Descriptive of an action or idea which is sensible, reasonable, and logical: When people are angry, they seldom behave in a rational way.
2. Referring to a supposition or an assumption which is based on intelligent thinking: There is a rational expectation that a storm is existing when thunder and lightening are providing evidence of such conditions.
3. Etymology: from Latin rationalis, "of or belonging to reason, reasonable" from ratio, "reckoning, calculation, reason" from reri-, "to reckon, to calculate, to think."
A reference to having the ability to reason.
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Relating to being based on reason.
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This entry is located in the following unit: ratio-, reason- (page 2)
rational, rationale
rational (RASH uh nuhl) (adjective)
1. Pertaining to someone who has good judgment: Mable was a rational person and did not make hasty decisions.
2. Regarding to a person who is sane, lucid, and able to make sound judgments: The doctor indicated that the patient was rational and should not be detained in the hospital.
3. Descriptive of something a person clarifies which is sensible and reasonable and not emotional: Jason's explanation for being late seemed rational to him but not to his parents.
rationale (rash" uh NAL) (noun)
The underlying explanation or reason for a situation: The president of the company accounted for his rationale for the layoffs at the factory.

Jeff's friend elucidated the rationale behind his early retirement, but Jill still didn't comprehend the rationale for his decision.

The rationale that Kristie's normally rational friend gave her for getting her speeding ticket was unbelievable.