rational
Based on logic
Rational describes thinking based on reason rather than emotion or impulse.
A rational decision follows from logical analysis; a rational person weighs evidence before acting.
In mathematics, a rational number can be expressed as a ratio of two integers.
The word often contrasts with emotional or irrational: Let's be rational about this.
To rationalize is to construct reasons for behavior, often after the fact.
Calm and judicious
- clearheadedMentally focused and rational
- composedCalm and self-possessed
- soberFree from intoxication
- sensibleShowing good judgment
even-tempered · calm · dispassionate · unemotional · collected · cool · measured · balanced
True to life
- pragmaticFocused on workable solutions
- sensibleShowing good judgment
- reasonableShowing sound judgment
- commonsensicalShowing practical wisdom
down-to-earth · workable · feasible · no-nonsense · grounded · sound · judicious · prudent
Deriving specifics from generals
- inferenceConclusion reached through reasoning
- syllogismFormal deductive argument structure
- validityQuality of being sound
- coherenceLogical internal consistency
consistency · soundness · proposition · axiom · theorem · corollary · inductive · premise
Following ordered procedures
- methodicalOrganized and deliberate
- quantitativeConcerning measurable amounts
- data-drivenInformed by collected information
- empiricalBased on observation, not theory
evidence-based · calculated · measured · statistical · algorithmic · objective · rigorous · critical
Fine-edged, or astute
- cleverShowing mental quickness
- keenSharp or enthusiastic
- astuteMentally sharp, discerning
- shrewdPractically clever, perceptive
perceptive · insightful · discerning · sagacious · wise · thoughtful · reflective · cerebral
levelheaded
Calm and judicious
- clearheadedMentally focused and rational
- composedCalm and self-possessed
- soberFree from intoxication
sensible · even-tempered · calm · dispassionate · unemotional · collected · cool · measured · balanced · impartial
realistic
True to life
- pragmaticFocused on workable solutions
- sensibleShowing good judgment
- reasonableShowing sound judgment
commonsensical · down-to-earth · workable · feasible · no-nonsense · grounded · sound · judicious · prudent · level-headed
deductive
Deriving specifics from generals
- inferenceConclusion reached through reasoning
- syllogismFormal deductive argument structure
- validityQuality of being sound
coherence · consistency · soundness · proposition · axiom · theorem · corollary · inductive · premise · conclusion
systematic
Following ordered procedures
- methodicalOrganized and deliberate
- quantitativeConcerning measurable amounts
- data-drivenInformed by collected information
empirical · evidence-based · calculated · measured · statistical · algorithmic · objective · rigorous · critical · scientific
sharp
Fine-edged, or astute
shrewd · perceptive · insightful · discerning · sagacious · wise · thoughtful · reflective · cerebral · intellectual
- Smartsintelligent, genius, smart, gifted, brilliant
- philosophy termstruth, knowledge, wisdom, logic, ethics
- logical thinkinglogical, analytical, deductive, inferential, syllogistic
- numbersone, two, four, three, 0
- math termsnumbers, plus or minus, linear growth, square, operand
- -al adjectivescultural, emotional, environmental, federal, financial
rationalirrational
Lacking sound judgment
illogical · unreasonable · nonsensical · absurd · unreasoning
rationalemotional
Showing strong feelings
impulsive · passionate · instinctive · hysterical · visceral
- rational thoughtLogic-based mental process
- ration booksWartime supply allocation documents
- ration stampsControlled-purchase authorization slips
- military rationPortable soldier food
- food rationingControlled distribution of provisions
- ration cardsPermits for limited goods
ration, irrational, rationale, rationally, rationality, rationalize, rationalism, rationing, irrationally