rationale

American  

[rash-uh-nal] / ˌræʃ əˈnæl /

noun

• rationales
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• rationales
  plural

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

See Examples For:

rationale rationales

Hunt said the expanded review would "provide a proportionate and evidence-led clinical approach" in response to "emerging findings", while decisions would be "supported by clear clinical rationale and formal governance review".

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026

An incapacity agreement can further provide the rationale for springing into action.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 24, 2026

Waiting for a tame CPI reading as the rationale for holding, he said, misses what Warsh actually emphasized—that it’s the underlying trend that matters, and the trend is still too high.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

The removal of sesame flour appears to address growing sesame allergies, although the company did not explain its rationale for the change.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026

The rationale for its construction is the subject of yet another lengthy archaeological dispute.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

That will create more costs for borrowers in the form of volatility and risk premiums, as investors guess at policy rationales and how the central bank will respond to recent data.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 10, 2026

None of these rationales bears any relation to a traditional American national security strategy.

From Salon ● Mar. 14, 2026

The evolving rationales have exposed the contrast between the monthslong planning that went into the initial military assault and what one senior administration official characterized as minimal conversation about who would take over the country.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 7, 2026

None of his rationales has been borne out.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 24, 2026

We have heard the rationales offered by the nuclear superpowers.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

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