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.

---

rationale British  

/ ˌræʃəˈnɑːl /

noun

1. a reasoned exposition, esp one defining the fundamental reasons for a course of action, belief, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of rationale

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

Example Sentences

Zonal defenders hold their position rather than following players with the rationale being they are in dangerous areas of the box that need to be protected.

From BBC

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

The time being added on at the end of a game is getting longer and longer, with both teams often complaining about the rationale of the referee's decision.

From BBC

The exchange asked it to “explain the commercial rationale for the company’s cross-industry acquisition of a persistently unprofitable target while itself is suffering continuous losses,” the company said in a filing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some analysts are skeptical of that rationale and say he is capitalizing on a chance to slash costs at a company with excessive staffing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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