noun
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."
Vocabulary lists containing rationale
This Week in Words: September 8 - 14, 2018
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Just Mercy
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Meanwhile, evidence is mounting that the labor market has stabilized, and unemployment remains low, removing another rationale for rate cuts.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026
“In terms of our rationale, it’s in part because the state has identified this as a must-complete project for helping California meet its climate and energy goals,” Cate said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026
But what was shocking was the breadth of the legal rationale used to justify the orders.
From Slate • May 15, 2026
The rationale was that if the central midfielders focused on Silva, the attacking midfielders would have space.
From BBC • May 4, 2026
The rationale stated by one rule-giver was that “there is in fact no person named for the him to refer to.”
From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
