reason / ratio
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reason
Reason, intellect, or the ability to think logically, often as the opposite of feeling, emotion, or intuition.
Bei dieser wichtigen Geschäftsentscheidung muss die Ratio über die Emotionen siegen.
In this important business decision, reason must triumph over emotions.
'Ratio' is a word from Latin and belongs to elevated or educated language. In normal everyday speech, it is used less often and can sound formal or intellectual.
In seiner Argumentation berief er sich rein auf die Ratio.
In his argument, he appealed purely to reason.
You can tell from the context whether reason or a key figure is meant. In texts about psychology or philosophy, 'Ratio' means reason, while in business and finance texts it refers to a ratio or key figure.
Manchmal muss man die Ratio ausschalten und auf sein Herz hören.
Sometimes you have to switch off reason and listen to your heart.
In the sense of 'Vernunft' (reason), 'Ratio' is often used with verbs that express control or dominance. Typical phrases are 'die Ratio walten lassen' (to let reason prevail) or 'sich von der Ratio leiten lassen' (to let oneself be guided by reason).
Bei dieser schwierigen Entscheidung solltest du die Ratio walten lassen.
In this difficult decision, you should let reason prevail.
In the meaning of 'Kennzahl' (key figure/ratio), 'Ratio' is a technical term from business and finance. It is often used in English terms or terms modeled on English.
Die Eigenkapital-Ratio des Unternehmens hat sich verbessert.
The company's equity ratio has improved.
feeling / sense
'das Gefühl' and 'die Ratio' are often opposites. Here, 'das Gefühl' means an emotional reaction or an inner hunch that you cannot always explain exactly. 'die Ratio' means reason and logical thinking. This contrast is important when people distinguish between a decision made from the heart and a decision based on clear reasons. 'Gefühl' is very normal in everyday language; 'Ratio' sounds more elevated or technical. In many conversations, instead of 'Ratio', people simply say 'Vernunft' (reason) or 'Verstand' (intellect / mind).
Bei dieser Entscheidung folgte er nicht seinem Herzen, sondern der Ratio.
In this decision, he followed not his heart, but reason.
Ich habe das Gefühl, dass wir diesem Angebot nicht sofort zustimmen sollten.
I have the feeling that we shouldn't agree to this offer right away.