rationale

[rash-uh-nal]

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.

rationale

/ ˌræʃəˈnɑːl /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rationale¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rationale¹

C17: from New Latin, from Latin ratiōnālis

Example Sentences

The rationale is straightforward: More people can be housed more safely and sustainably in cities than in mountainous, fire-prone tracts with little public infrastructure.

From Los Angeles Times

Critics of the plans say the changes will decimate the Samaritans' work in local communities and have accused the charity's leadership of repeatedly ignoring requests to provide the rationale for the plans.

From BBC

In June, Judge Michael Farbiarz ordered Khalil’s release, saying that it was “highly unusual” to seek detention on the threat to foreign policy rationale.

From Salon

“It appears that the Jewish community is growing even more skeptical and critical of deploying antisemitism as the rationale” for federal funding cuts to universities, Fuller said.

From Los Angeles Times

The use of tariff threats as a cudgel to try to save an ally from legal peril also gives lie to the purported rationale behind tariffs: protecting U.S. manufacturers or correcting trade imbalances.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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