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

Explanation

The rationale for something is the basic or underlying reason or explanation for it. This noun (pronounced "rash-uh-NAL") is usually used in the singular: What was the rationale behind his decision to quit? The related adjective rational means "based on facts or reason" or "having the ability to think clearly." An example of a rational rationale? You add extra baking soda to pancake batter under the rationale that if you want them to be fluffier, you need more rising agent. Rationale is from Latin, from rationalis "relating to reason," from ratio "calculation, reason," from rērī "to consider, think."

Example Sentences

The strategic rationale for the deal is “not clear,” Bernstein analyst Nikhil Devnani wrote in a note Friday following a report saying that GameStop was soon to announce a deal.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

The rationale was that if the central midfielders focused on Silva, the attacking midfielders would have space.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

“People try to come up with a rationale to justify their dislike of things they dislike for other reasons,” Gerrard added.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2026

So far, the rationale for the cuts appears to be driven less by AI’s abilities to replace workers outright than by the soaring costs of building the technology, executives say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

She hesitated, conscious that in answering she would be offering a form of defense, a rationale, and that it might enrage him further.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Related Words

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