ra·tion·al /ˈræʃənəl/ ●●○ AWL adjectiveadj 1 LOGICALrational thoughts, decisions etc are based on reasons rather than emotions 〔想法、决定等〕合理的,基于理性的 OPP irrational Parents need to be fully informed so they can make a rational decision. 父母需要充分了解情况,这样才可以作出合理的决定。
I’m sure there’s a rational explanation for all this. 我相信这一切都有合理的解释。
It’s impossible to have a rational conversation with him. 不可能和他进行理性的谈话。
2 SENSIBLEa rational person is able to think calmly and sensibly 〔人〕有理性的,理智的 OPP irrational Culley was quite rational at the time of her baby’s death. 卡莉在她孩子死去时相当理智。
3 formal able to make sensible judgments 能作出理智决定的,理性的 Man is a rational animal. 人类是理性动物。
—rationally adverbadv We were too shocked to think rationally. 我们太过震惊,难以理智地思考。
—rationality /ˌræʃəˈnæləlti/ noun [uncountableU]
n COLLOCATIONSnounsa rational explanationI told myself that there must be some simple, rational explanation.
a rational decision/choiceThe patient was incapable of making a rational decision.
a rational approachWe must adopt a rational approach when dealing with this problem.
a rational analysisEmotions are running so high that any rational analysis of the situation is difficult.
rational thoughtBabies were thought to be incapable of rational thought.
rational argumentNuclear weapons are so absurd that rational argument about their use is scarcely possible.
a rational conversation/discussionLet's all calm down and have a rational discussion.
adverbsperfectly rationalI'm sure there's a perfectly rational explanation.