Word
rationally
Phoneticsra·tio·nal·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹæʃənəɫi/
UK/ɹˈæʃənəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is based on facts and clear thinking rather than on feelings. You use this when someone makes a choice using logic.
adv. in a manner based on or in accordance with reason or logic. Often used to describe decision-making processes that exclude emotional bias.
Examples
“We need to discuss this problem rationally.”
“Despite the stressful situation, she managed to act rationally and called for help immediately.”
“Economists often assume that consumers will behave rationally by choosing the product that offers the highest utility for the lowest possible price.”
Examples
simple
“We need to discuss this problem rationally.”
contextual
“Despite the stressful situation, she managed to act rationally and called for help immediately.”
complex
“Economists often assume that consumers will behave rationally by choosing the product that offers the highest utility for the lowest possible price.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.
Real-World Examples
“When I was suicidal, I was not in any way thinking rationally.” “I’d had such a terrible relationship with the Trezor over the past five months that I couldn’t think rationally about it.” “The aim is not to rationally convince but to plant the message everywhere so that it can be easily recalled.” Etymology
From rational + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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