Reading Theme:
Rational Meaning: Logical and Sensible Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：logical (rational)
rational
/ˈræʃənəl/
adj.
Based on clear thought and reason, not emotions or feelings.
logical
➕
/ˈlɒdʒɪkəl/
adj.
Describes thinking or acting based on clear reasoning rather than feelings or impulses.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'ratio' (reason) + '-al' (adjective suffix).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'ratio' – rational thinking keeps things in proper proportion.
📖 Example
When faced with the emergency, the pilot remained rational and followed the procedure step by step.
When faced with the emergency, the pilot remained logical and followed the procedure step by step.
🔗 Collocations
rational decision – a decision made by weighing facts and logic
rational thinking – the process of using reason to form conclusions
rational behavior – actions guided by reason rather than emotion
🔄 Synonyms
reasonable (adj.) – fair and sensible based on facts
logical (adj.) – following the rules of clear reasoning
sensible (adj.) – showing good judgment and practicality
🚫 Antonyms
irrational (adj.) – not based on reason or logic
emotional (adj.) – driven by feelings rather than thought
illogical (adj.) – contrary to the rules of logic
🌱 Derivatives
rationality (n.) – the quality of being based on reason
rationalize (v.) – to explain or justify by giving rational reasons
rationally (adv.) – in a way that is based on reason
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'rationalis', central to Enlightenment philosophy which championed reason over emotion.
Meaning 2：sensible (rational)
rational
/ˈræʃənəl/
adj.
Able to be understood or explained by logic, making sense and not absurd.
sensible
➕
/ˈsɛnsəbəl/
adj.
Describes an idea or explanation that makes logical sense and is not absurd.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Her explanation for being late was perfectly rational-the subway had a major delay.
Her explanation for being late was perfectly sensible – the subway had a major delay.
🔗 Collocations
rational explanation – an account that is logically coherent and understandable
rational conclusion – a final judgment reached through logical steps
rational choice – an option selected after weighing pros and cons
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
absurd (adj.) – wildly unreasonable or illogical
irrational (adj.) – not based on logic
nonsensical (adj.) – having no meaning or sense
🌱 Derivatives
rationality (n.) – the state of being based on reason
rationally (adv.) – in a logical manner
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser