rationale
noun
ra·tio·nale
ˌra-shə-ˈnal 
1
: an explanation of controlling principles of opinion, belief, practice, or phenomena
2
: an underlying reason : basis
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Rationale comes from Latin ratio, meaning "reason," and rationalis, "endowed with reason." Ratio is reasonably familiar as an English word for the relationship (in number, quantity, or degree) between things.
Synonyms
Examples of rationale in a Sentence
the rationale for starting the school day an hour later is that kids will supposedly get an extra hour of sleep
Recent Examples on the Web
The court agreed that the government had a compelling national security interest in passing the law and that its rationale was content neutral.
—
Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 17 Jan. 2025
This approach reduces uncertainty, provides context, and helps team members understand the rationale behind leadership actions, reinforcing confidence in their guidance.
—Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
In his opinion Friday, Gorsuch agreed with the court's decision to avoid using the rationale of covert content manipulation and secret government evidence.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Frontiers of science and technology policy Researchers often cite the 1945 report Science: The Endless Frontier, written by former Office of Scientific Research and Development head Vannevar Bush, to describe the core rationales for using American taxpayer money to fund basic science.
—Arthur Daemmrich, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025
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Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 17 Jan. 2025
This approach reduces uncertainty, provides context, and helps team members understand the rationale behind leadership actions, reinforcing confidence in their guidance.
—Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
In his opinion Friday, Gorsuch agreed with the court's decision to avoid using the rationale of covert content manipulation and secret government evidence.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Frontiers of science and technology policy Researchers often cite the 1945 report Science: The Endless Frontier, written by former Office of Scientific Research and Development head Vannevar Bush, to describe the core rationales for using American taxpayer money to fund basic science.
—Arthur Daemmrich, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rationale
Dictionary Entries Near rationale
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationale. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
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rationale
noun
ra·tio·nale
ˌrash-ə-ˈnal
: a basic reason or explanation for something
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