EtymologyMap
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Today it means

rational

based on reason

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Where does the word "rational" come from? It comes from Latin rationalis, and was adopted directly into English (1300s).

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Where does the word "rational" come from? It comes from Latin rationalis, and was adopted directly into English (1300s).

Rational’s story begins in Latin: rationalis meant “of reason.” From 'ratio', reason. It reached English by 1300s as rational. 'rational numbers' date from the 1500s. Today, rational means based on reason.

  1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient rationalis "of reason", from 'ratio', reason.
  2. Stage 2 · English · 1300s rational "reasonable", 'rational numbers' date from the 1500s.

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