rationale

[ rash-uh-nal ]

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

/ ˌræʃəˈnɑːl /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rationale¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rationale¹

C17: from New Latin, from Latin ratiōnālis

Example Sentences

This serves as the background rationale for a wide range of voter-suppression efforts and extra-legal intimidation tactics.

From Salon

Wade' until he belatedly realized it wasn't popular, at which point he came up with his fatuous rationale that "everyone wanted it to go back to the states."

From Salon

In the grey matter and guts alike, the rationale felt right.

From BBC

Really, there is no moral rationale for celebrating your team’s win knowing that, somewhere, a child is crying as a result.

From Los Angeles Times

Vought laid out how his think tank is crafting the legal rationale for invoking the Insurrection Act, a law that gives the president broad power to use the military for domestic law enforcement.

From Salon

Related Words

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