English · Word Candidate

rational

/ˈɹæʃ(ə)nəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: rationals

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Capable of reasoning.

Adjective

Examples

Man is a rational creature.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Capable of reasoning. — Behaving according to some partial order of preferences.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A rational number: a number that can be expressed as the quotient of two integers.

Noun

Examples

The quotient of two rationals is again a rational.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

The breastplate worn by Israelite high priests.

Noun

Examples

The Rationale of iudgement alſo thou shalt mke with embrodered worke of diuers colours, according to the workmanship of the Ephod of gold, hyacinth, and purple, and ſcarlet twiſe died, and twiſted ſilke.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “rational” mean?

Capable of reasoning.

Is “rational” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.