ratio-, reason-

1. Exact thinking or the process of logical and methodical reasoning: Victor used ratiocination and the available evidence to solve the crime.
2. A reasoned train of thought which is rational, valid, and exact: When asked to explain why he invested so much in the company, Larry said he used all kinds of ratiocinations before he committed himself to get involved with the newly formed business.
3. Etymology: from Latin ratiocincationem and ratiocincatio, "a reasoning", from ratiocincatu, the past participle of ratiocinare, "to calculate, to deliberate"; from ratio, "reckoning, calculation, business affair, procedure" + -cinari, which probably is related to conari, "to try". © ALL rights are reserved.
© ALL rights are reserved.

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1. A fixed portion; especially, an amount of food allotted to people in military service or to civilians in times of scarcity.
2. Food rations issued or available to members of a group.
3. The amount of something that it seems fair or desirable for someone: "She certainly has had more than her ration of good luck."

Special Rations for Everyone

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." © ALL rights are reserved.
© ALL rights are reserved.

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1. An significant reason or explanation for doing something: Adam said he simply didn't understand the rationale of his supervisor's motive for wanting to revise the contents of the financial report.

Mark explained to his wife the rationale of why he was retiring early from his career as a writer of novels.

2. Etymology: from Latin rationalis, "of or belonging to reason." © ALL rights are reserved.

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1. To describe something in a way that explains it and makes it seem proper and reasonable: Maggie was not able to rationalize why she bought such an expensive car.

Frank tried to rationalize his young son's strange behavior by blaming it on his older son.

2. Etymology: from Latin rationalis, "of or belonging to reason, reasonable" from ratio, "calculation, reason" + -ize, "to make, to become"." © ALL rights are reserved.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
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1. Capable of showing good sense and sound judgement; fair: Joe's next-door neighbor seemed to be quite a reasonable and practical fellow!
2. Relating to something which is moderate or appropriate: Tamara made the right decision and didn't drive during the snow storm, which was really reasonable.
3. Regarding something that is not too expensive: Gary was very happy when he found some shoes at a reasonable price and which he could afford!
4. Pertaining to an amount of something that is quite large: Leah had a reasonable amount of table space for her sewing machine and for laying out the fabric for her sewing project.

1. Descriptive of how something is done in an intelligent or practical way: Mr. Smith responded reasonably and sensibly to the teacher's questions when asked about why his daughter was so sad and distraught.
2. Regarding how something is fair or satisfactory: Jane was looking for a purse that was priced reasonably and not too expensive.
3. Referring to how something is moderately good or tolerable: The old bike was evidently in a reasonably good condition and wasn't rusty.