rationale

American  

[rash-uh-nal] / ˌræʃ əˈnæl /

noun

1. the fundamental reason or reasons serving to account for something.

   Synonyms:

   ground, basis, logic

2. a statement of reasons.

3. a reasoned exposition of principles.

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rationale British  

/ ˌræʃəˈnɑːl /

noun

1. a reasoned exposition, esp one defining the fundamental reasons for a course of action, belief, etc

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Etymology

Origin of rationale

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin: neuter of ratiōnālis rational

Example Sentences

Although not spelt out precisely during the interview, the implication of Block’s trade rationale is that higher unemployment means economic weakness and this would in turn lead to deteriorating corporate financials.

From MarketWatch

“The M&A market is focused on the long-term fundamentals: right deal, right price and right strategic rationale.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The rationale is clear: It’s about feeding an addiction to spending.

From The Wall Street Journal

For the Tanglewood strategist, though, most of the planks in the investment rationale remain intact.

From MarketWatch

Officials typically do not publicly discuss the rationale for reaching certain decisions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• excuse
• explanation
• hypothesis
• justification
• motivation
• motive
• philosophy
• principle
• rationalization
• reason
• theory