rational understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

'rational understanding' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a subject's capacity for logical thought and judgement, or in other situations where someone is making sense of a complicated idea. For example: "Through rational understanding of the situation, they were able to make a well-informed decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He argues that religion's influence over human behavior is precisely what makes gaining a rational understanding of it so necessary: "If we don't understand religion, we're going to miss our chance to improve the world in the 21st century".

Huffington Post

Rational understanding takes a back seat and the unconscious takes over.

The Guardian - Arts

Your thoughts and deeds are beyond human instinct and reason, and are evil beyond rational understanding.

The Guardian

A rational understanding of how it was then and is now says that it does.

Independent

Causality, and with it the possibility of rational understanding, seemed to be suspended in the subatomic world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In time, science and medicine supplanted superstitions about how disease was transmitted, and a more rational understanding of hygiene took hold.

The New York Times - Style

Our situation now, he argues, is that there is even less of such a rational understanding, particularly in Washington, than there was in the past.

The Guardian - Books

"We are not gunslingers who do the bidding of someone who does not have a rational understanding," she told the judge.

The New Yorker

It is a constant struggle as Edison veers between a rational understanding of what is going on and the darkness he clearly experienced down the mine.

The Guardian

"At the present time, Mr. Loughner does not have a rational understanding of these proceedings," Judge Burns said, ordering him treated for up to four months.

The New York Times

The Enlightenment was a period in history when fanciful thinking gave way to a more rational understanding of cause and effect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex subjects, use "rational understanding" to emphasize a fact-based, logical grasp of the topic.

Common error

Avoid using "rational understanding" in situations where emotional intelligence or empathy is more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound detached or insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rational understanding" functions as a noun phrase, where "rational" modifies the noun "understanding". It describes a specific type of comprehension based on reason and logic. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rational understanding" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies a logical and reasoned comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, remember to emphasize fact-based analysis and be mindful of contexts where emotional intelligence might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "logical understanding" or "sensible understanding" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rational comprehension

Replaces "understanding" with "comprehension", emphasizing the act of grasping the meaning.

logical understanding

Substitutes "rational" with "logical", focusing on the adherence to principles of reasoning.

intelligent understanding

Replaces "rational" with "intelligent", suggesting a higher level of cognitive ability.

sensible understanding

Uses "sensible" instead of "rational", highlighting the practical and realistic nature of the understanding.

rational appreciation

Replaces "understanding" with "appreciation", shifting the focus to a positive evaluation based on reason.

rational insight

Substitutes "understanding" with "insight", emphasizing a deeper level of perception and awareness.

rational interpretation

Replaces "understanding" with "interpretation", highlighting the process of explaining the meaning of something.

fair understanding

Uses "fair" instead of "rational", highlighting the impartiality and objectivity of the understanding.

wise understanding

Substitutes "rational" with "wise", emphasizing the understanding gained through experience and knowledge.

intellectual understanding

Replaces "rational" with "intellectual", focusing on the understanding gained through the use of the intellect.

FAQs

How to use "rational understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "rational understanding" to describe a clear and logical grasp of a situation, for example: "A "rational understanding" of the data helped the team make informed decisions".

What can I say instead of "rational understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "logical understanding", "sensible understanding", or "intelligent understanding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "rational understanding" or "emotional understanding"?

Both are correct, but they describe different types of comprehension. "Rational understanding" refers to a logical and reasoned grasp, while "emotional understanding" refers to an understanding of feelings and emotions.

What's the difference between "rational understanding" and "common sense"?

"Rational understanding" implies a more structured and analytical approach, while "common sense" refers to practical judgment developed through experience.