rationally

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rationally" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is thinking or acting in a logical, sensible, and reasonable manner. Example sentence: She thought about the situation rationally and made the best decision for everyone involved.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It means, instead, that if the government wants to regulate sexual conduct that regulation must meet rational-basis review it must rationally further some legitimate government interest.

The Economist

"They [creditors] couldn't counter his economic arguments rationally so they went for him claiming he didn't understand eurozone rules and regulations, that his reforms weren't good enough," said one official.

The Guardian

Rationally it would seem any banker working in such an institution would be ashamed to take a payout.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rationally, a coloured daub with no figures or landscape, nothing to identify and interpret, ought to be meaningless: a decoration at best.

The Guardian - Arts

It is obvious to Scots, and to anyone who thinks rationally and fairly about the situation, that it would be monstrous and wholly unjust for Scots to have all powers over health devolved while holding the balance of power over the same policy area in England.

The Guardian - Opinion

And rationally, it's sound.

The Guardian - Opinion

But on the whole, Mr Garber reckons that investors acted rationally.

The Economist

Nobody, even a staunch luddite, would rationally choose to forego web access when it costs nothing extra, so why even list it?

The Economist

Ms Yellen and Mr Akerlof also demonstrated how firms and individuals might rationally decline to adjust wages or prices in response to a monetary shock, and that collective behaviour would produce recessions.

The Economist

In other words, developers tend to be profit-maximisers, responding rationally to rising incomes (and thus increased demand for office space) by making buildings bigger.

The Economist

Even a well-functioning state, be it democratic or authoritarian, will fail to conserve monuments unless local people see an interest in maintaining their heritage and using it rationally, says Vincent Michael, new chairman of the Global Heritage Fund (GHF), based in California.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rationally", ensure the context clearly indicates a logical and reasoned approach. For example, state what is being considered or decided "rationally" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that people always behave "rationally". Acknowledge that emotional, social, and psychological factors often influence decision-making, even when a "rational" choice seems evident.

Linguistic Context

The word "rationally" primarily functions as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a quality is exhibited. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates that something is done in a logical and reasoned way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rationally" is a versatile adverb used to describe actions or decisions made using reason and logic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across a variety of contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic writing. While it's important to use it accurately, remembering that not all human behavior is perfectly "rational", consider alternatives such as "logically", "reasonably", or "sensibly" to provide more nuanced meaning. By understanding its proper usage, you can effectively communicate reasoned thought in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logically

Emphasizes adherence to principles of valid reasoning and inference, focusing on the structure of thought.

reasonably

Suggests behavior or thinking that is fair, appropriate, and shows good judgment in typical circumstances.

sensibly

Highlights practicality and wisdom in decision-making or conduct, often avoiding extremes or foolishness.

prudently

Focuses on careful and wise handling of resources or situations to avoid risks and ensure long-term benefits.

intelligently

Indicates the use of a high level of mental capacity and understanding to address challenges or make choices.

thoughtfully

Implies considerate and reflective contemplation before acting or speaking, considering different perspectives.

judiciously

Emphasizes balanced and well-considered judgment, often in the context of managing resources or exercising authority.

methodically

Highlights a systematic and orderly approach, ensuring each step is logically connected and thoroughly executed.

analytically

Suggests a detailed examination and evaluation of different aspects to understand complex situations or problems.

objectively

Focuses on impartiality and detachment from personal feelings or biases in assessing facts and making decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "rationally" in a sentence?

You can use "rationally" to describe actions or thoughts that are based on reason and logic. For example, "He approached the problem rationally and found a solution".

What are some alternatives to using "rationally"?

Alternatives to "rationally" include "logically", "reasonably", or "sensibly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always best to make decisions "rationally"?

While "rational" decision-making is often beneficial, it's not always the best approach. Sometimes, intuition or emotional considerations can lead to more satisfying outcomes. Decisions should be appropriate for the context.

What's the difference between "rationally" and "reasonably"?

"Rationally" emphasizes the use of logic and reason, while "reasonably" suggests fairness and appropriateness. You might act "rationally" to maximize profit, but act "reasonably" to ensure fair treatment.