Irrational vs. Illogical: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 3, 2023
"Irrational" refers to behavior or thought patterns that are not based on reason or clear thinking, often driven by emotion or instinct. "Illogical" means not making sense according to established rules of logic or reasoning.
Key Differences
"Irrational" primarily denotes actions, decisions, or thoughts that are not grounded in reason or sensible judgment. This term often involves the influence of emotions, prejudices, or instincts that override rational thinking. "Illogical," on the other hand, describes statements, arguments, or actions that violate the principles of logical reasoning. While both terms imply a departure from rationality, their focus and implications are different.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
The term "irrational" is frequently used in the context of human behavior and decision-making. For example, someone acting out of fear or love might be described as irrational if their actions lack objective reason. "Illogical" is more often used to critique the structure or content of an argument or statement, pointing out inconsistencies or contradictions within a logical framework.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
From a grammatical standpoint, both "irrational" and "illogical" are adjectives, but they can also function as nouns when referring to the quality of being irrational or illogical. For example, "the irrationality of the crowd" or "the illogic of the situation."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
In psychological contexts, "irrational" may refer to behaviors or beliefs that are not in one's best interest, even harmful. In contrast, "illogical" in scientific or philosophical discussions pinpoints flaws in reasoning or argumentation. Essentially, "irrational" is broader and often more subjective, while "illogical" is more specific and objective.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
In summary, "irrational" encompasses a broad range of unreasoned behaviors and thoughts, often driven by emotion or instinct. "Illogical" is narrower, focusing on errors in reasoning or logic. Both terms can be used in various contexts but they target different aspects of irrationality.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Range of Application
Broader in usage
More specific, usually tied to logical principles
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
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Irrational and Illogical Definitions
Irrational
Not in accordance with mathematics or logic.
The square root of -1 is considered irrational.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Illogical
Lacking sense or clear reasoning.
The plot of the movie was illogical.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Irrational
Contrary to one's best interests.
Quitting your job without a plan is irrational.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
Illogical
Inconsistent with facts or reality.
Her illogical statement confused everyone.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Irrational
Influenced by emotion or instinct.
She made an irrational decision in the heat of the moment.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
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Illogical
Contrary to the principles of logic.
His argument was completely illogical.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Irrational
Lacking sound judgment.
His irrational behavior worried his family.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
Illogical
Violating the rules of valid inference.
The fallacy in his speech was illogical.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
Illogical
Unsound in argumentation or deduction.
His illogical reasoning led him to the wrong conclusion.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Irrational
Affected by loss of usual or normal mental clarity; incoherent, as from shock.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Irrational
Marked by a lack of accord with reason or sound judgment
An irrational dislike.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Irrational
Being a syllable in Greek and Latin prosody whose length does not fit the metric pattern.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Illogical
Contrary to logic; lacking sense or sound reasoning.
I received an illogical reply and that left me standing there feeling confused.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Illogical
Ignorant or negligent of the rules of logic or correct reasoning; as, an illogical disputant; contrary of the rules of logic or sound reasoning; as, an illogical inference.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Illogical
Lacking orderly continuity;
A confused set of instructions
A confused dream about the end of the world
Disconnected fragments of a story
Scattered thoughts
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Irrational
Of a real number, that cannot be written as the ratio of two integers.
The number π is irrational.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Irrational
A real number that can not be expressed as the quotient of two integers, an irrational number.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Irrational
Not rational; void of reason or understanding; as, brutes are irrational animals.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Irrational
Not according to reason; having no rational basis; clearly contrary to reason; easily disproved by reasoning; absurd; - of assertions and beliefs.
It seemed utterly irrational any longer to maintain it.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Irrational
Not capable of being exactly expressed by an integral number, nor by a ratio of integral numbers; surd; - said especially of roots. See Surd.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Irrational
Not consistent with or using reason;
Irrational fears
Irrational animals
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Irrational
Real but not expressible as the quotient of two integers;
Irrational numbers
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Irrational
Not based on clear thinking or reason.
His fear of spiders is irrational.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
FAQs
Is "illogical" the same as false?
No, "illogical" means it doesn't follow logical reasoning, but the conclusion may still be true.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
What does "illogical" mean?
"Illogical" means not making sense according to rules of logic or reasoning.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Is "irrational" always emotional?
No, "irrational" can be driven by emotions, instincts, or simply lack of reasoning.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Can "illogical" be a noun?
Yes, the noun form is "illogic" or "illogicality."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Is "illogical" always wrong?
No, an "illogical" argument may arrive at a correct conclusion, but through faulty reasoning.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Can arguments be "illogical"?
Yes, "illogical" is often used to describe flawed reasoning in arguments.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Can "irrational" apply to numbers?
Yes, in mathematics, "irrational" refers to numbers that cannot be expressed as a simple fraction.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
What does "irrational" mean?
"Irrational" refers to behavior or thoughts not based on reason or clear thinking.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Is "irrational" subjective?
"Irrational" is often more subjective and open to interpretation.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Can "irrational" be temporary?
Yes, people can act irrationally under stress but revert to rational behavior later.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
Is "illogical" objective?
"Illogical" tends to be more objective, based on established logical principles.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Is "irrational" only for humans?
No, but it is most commonly used to describe human behavior or thoughts.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
Can "irrational" actions be justified?
Sometimes "irrational" actions may have underlying reasons that make them understandable, if not justified.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Is "illogical" used in philosophy?
Yes, "illogical" is frequently used in philosophical discussions to identify reasoning errors.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
