What is the difference between being rational and being realistic?

Answer by  wrestler88 (192)

I heard someone say women are more realistic (living in the real world), and men are more rational (guided by what logically makes sense, irrespective of how things actually are).

Answer by  notorious (249)

A rationalist uses argument and logic to come to conclusions. A realist uses real examples to come to conclusions. A rationalist could be a realist too, or he could be an idealist.

Answer by  AnnWalkerKennedy (175)

The difference between rational and realistic thinking the connotation. To say that one is rational suggests that one is thinking logically, without delusions or emotional components to one's thought. To say that one is realistic means that one is more practical than idealistic, basing predictions on experience and likely outcomes.

Answer by  jlaird (190)

Being rational is using reason to come to conclusions. Being realistic is living in reality. They can be the same thing, but they can be different.

Answer by  dujinskir (7)

While related, the two words have slightly different meanings. Being rational includes approaching decisions logically, while being realistic means that you understand what is possible and bound your decisions accordingly.