Ratsionaalsete

Ratsionaalsete is an Estonian grammatical form functioning as the genitive plural of the adjective ratsionaalne, meaning rational. It is used to modify nouns in the genitive plural and does not stand alone as a noun. In mathematical and logical texts it often appears with nouns such as arvude (numbers), mõistete (concepts), or näitajate (indicators).

The form indicates that the modified noun belongs to a group of rational entities. For example, phrases like ratsionaalsete arvude hulka kuuluvad 1/2 ja -4/5 describe the set of rational numbers that includes 1/2 and -4/5. Another common usage is ratsionaalsete mõistete kujundamine, meaning the development of rational concepts. The same adjective also yields irratsionaalsete in contexts referring to irrational counterparts.

Origin and use: ratsionaalne derives from the Latin rationalis, via historical linguistic development in Estonian. In modern Estonian, ratsionaalsete establishes a precise grammatical relationship with the noun it modifies, agreeing in case, number, and definiteness as required by the surrounding phrase. Outside formal mathematics or philosophy, the adjective may preserve its general sense of “well-reasoned,” but the genitive plural form ratsionaalsete appears mainly in technical expressions.

See also: ratsionaalne, irratsionaalne, ratsionaalarvud.