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

"What the 14th Amendment did was accept that tradition and not attempt to put any limitations on it. That was the clear rationale," Kagan said.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Regulators have historically waved through 97% without requesting additional information, and the FTC lacks the resources or strong legal rationale to challenge most of them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The other rationale is that Toni Morrison’s is an adjective, and pronouns must refer back to nouns.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

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