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

If football games are put behind subscription paywalls, “these arrangements may no longer align with the statutory concept of sponsored telecasting or the consumer-access rationale underlying the antitrust exemption.”

From The Wall Street Journal • 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

The rationale is to spark a rapid increase in female representation in coaching roles.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

It was indeed in the Spanish interest to exaggerate the extent of human sacrifice, because ending what Cortes called this “most horrid and abominable custom” became a post hoc rationale for conquest.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

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