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
Washington’s support for Tel Aviv was one of Osama bin Laden’s three stated rationales for declaring jihad against the U.S.
—
Rosemary Kelanic, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024
Under this rationale, the United States could ban a foreign newspaper or a book published in another country from being available in this country because it is seen as undermining democracy.
—Erwin Chemerinsky, The Mercury News, 14 Dec. 2024
Such is the case this year, which sees four co-leads running in the supporting categories, each with their own rationale:
The POV Character: Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez
For the first act of Emilia Pérez, Saldaña’s lawyer is unquestionably the film’s main character.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024
Between the lines: Tempe pointed to both Proposition 312 and the Grants Pass decision as the rationale for its strict enforcement policy.
—Jeremy Duda, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rationale 
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Rosemary Kelanic, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024
Under this rationale, the United States could ban a foreign newspaper or a book published in another country from being available in this country because it is seen as undermining democracy.
—Erwin Chemerinsky, The Mercury News, 14 Dec. 2024
Such is the case this year, which sees four co-leads running in the supporting categories, each with their own rationale:
The POV Character: Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez
For the first act of Emilia Pérez, Saldaña’s lawyer is unquestionably the film’s main character.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024
Between the lines: Tempe pointed to both Proposition 312 and the Grants Pass decision as the rationale for its strict enforcement policy.
—Jeremy Duda, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024
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 25 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rationale
noun
ra·tio·nale
ˌrash-ə-ˈnal
: a basic reason or explanation for something
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