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

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Etymology

Origin of rationale

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin: neuter of ratiōnālis rational

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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

Last month, Kelly issued a temporary restraining order requiring the administration to restore the outlets’ credentials, rejecting, at least at that stage, the administration’s national security rationale for yanking access.

From Salon ● Oct. 6, 2026

The conversation doesn’t require disclosing dollar figures; it requires stating rationale.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2026

He was disappointed to learn just how much the fares would increase without any gains for riders, and he questioned the rationale.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2026

This year's headroom will be judged in three years rather than four, so there is some rationale as to why a smaller number over a closer target might be appropriate.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 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

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

The companies have offered differing rationales for the reductions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 24, 2026

Among the chief rationales for the lower tax rate on capital gains is to counter the effect of inflation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 19, 2026

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

From Salon ● Mar. 14, 2026

We have heard the rationales offered by the nuclear superpowers.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

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Related Words

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

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