How to pronounce rational
Say it like RASH-uh-nul. Rational has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RASH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rational. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RASH
- uh
- nul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rational pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RASHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of rational
American and British speakers say rational in essentially the same way: /ˈræʃənəl/ in the US and /ˈræʃənəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: RASH-uh-nul.
What does rational mean?
- consistent with or based on or using reason“rational behavior”“a process of rational inference”
- of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind“intellectual problems”“the triumph of the rational over the animal side of man”
- capable of being expressed as a quotient of integers“rational numbers”
- an integer or a fraction
Where does rational come from?
From Old French rationel, rational, from Latin rationalis (“of or belonging to reason, rational, reasonable; having a ratio”), from ratio (“reason; calculation”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with rational
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rational.
Questions about saying rational
How do you pronounce rational?
Say RASH-uh-nul. The American pronunciation is /ˈræʃənəl/. In British English it is /ˈræʃənəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rational?
Rational has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RASH). Broken into parts: RASH · uh · nul.
Do Americans and Brits say rational the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈræʃənəl/ and the British form is /ˈræʃənəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.