racionális

Racionális is a Hungarian adjective meaning rational or reasonable, based on reason and logical thinking. It is used to describe actions, arguments, decisions, or people characterized by measured, coherent thought.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin rationalis, from ratio, meaning reason.

In mathematics: The Hungarian term for rational numbers is racionális számok, defined as numbers expressible as a ratio of two integers a and b with b not equal to zero. They form the set Q and are distinct from irrational numbers such as sqrt(2) or pi. The term also applies to racionális függvény, or rational function, which is a ratio of two polynomials.

In philosophy: Rationalism, or racionális gondolkodás, is the view that reason is the primary source of knowledge, though the term can appear in discussions of logic and epistemology. In everyday language, a rational approach means decisions guided by logic, evidence, and efficiency rather than impulse.

In everyday language: Calling something racionális suggests it is sensible, practical, or efficient given constraints.

Related topics include rational numbers, rational functions, and rationalism.