Read the following lines and answer the question that follows by choosing the correct option :
You can read facial expressions and emotional signals in another person almost instantly and just "know what to do". Having travelled extensively I get very strong gut feelings when I need to cross the street, get off the path, jump out of the taxi, or leave a place that just doesn't "feel right". It could be a burning sensation in my stomach, an image that flashes into my mind, tingles in my body, my heart rate increasing or simply an unexplainable certainty and knowing that something is just not right and I need to move. You know when something feels right and when something feels wrong, the aim is to strike the balance between rational thinking and gut instinct. When you follow your gut feeling you will find that life flows more easily; when you go against your gut feelings you tend to find yourself pushing, struggling or forcing things to happen. You can't always hear your intuitive voice, it gets lost in the noise of multitude of thoughts and activity. One of the quickest and easiest ways to strengthen your intuition is to let go of your "monkey mind" and stop multi-tasking. By clearing your mind and being present you clear away the noise and distractions that can mask your gut feelings.
Which among the following is not a Synonym of the word 'Rational' as used in the passage?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Instinctive
- Rational means based on reason and logic. In the passage, rational thinking is set against gut instinct.
Example: Let us take a rational decision, not an emotional one. - Instinctive means done from natural feeling, without thinking or reasoning. It is the opposite of reasoned thought, so it is not a synonym of rational.
Example: Her instinctive reaction was to pull the child away from the road.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Logical — Incorrect. Logical means following sound reasoning; it is a synonym of rational, so it cannot be the answer.
Example: There must be a logical explanation for the delay.
Option 2: Reasonable — Incorrect. Reasonable means based on good sense; it too is a synonym of rational.
Example: His demand for a holiday was quite reasonable.
Option 4: Analytical — Incorrect. Analytical means examining things carefully and logically; it belongs with rational thinking, so it is a synonym here.
Example: She has an analytical mind and loves solving puzzles.