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
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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.
Rationale: You spend more than 40 percent of your strokes with the putter, with 60 percent of shots coming from 100 yards and in.
From Golf Digest • Apr. 21, 2017
Rationale: You’ve belonged to your club for a number of years.
From Golf Digest • Apr. 21, 2017
Document: The Legal Rationale for Surveillance The Obama administration on Friday released documents related to the legal basis for surveillance efforts.
From New York Times • Aug. 9, 2013
Rationale: Bruins have done nicely, but win over Nebraska looks less daunting and they stumbled against Oregon State at home.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 1, 2012
I have written an essay on the "Rationale of Verse," in which the whole topic is surveyed ab initio, and with reference to general and immutable principles.
From Graham's Magazine Vol XXXII No. 1 January 1848 by Conrad, Robert Taylor
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.
