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 rationale behind the introduction of the feature seems to be the idea that news and opinion are not separated enough, nowadays, and that readers are losing trust in the media.
—
Federico Guerrini, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Designing for emotions On Thursday, Amit described the rationale behind some of NewDealDesign’s recent projects, including its work with Serve Robotics, a company that provided delivery through small autonomous delivery vehicles.
—Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 5 Dec. 2024
But the rationale for dismissing the case entirely, rather than simply delaying sentencing till after Trump's term ends, is much less clear.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
Our rationale is that Sawiris, who went to college in the U.S. and has a base there, teamed up to buy Villa with NBA club Milwaukee Bucks’ co-owner Wes Edens, and their V Sports group feels more American than Egyptian.
—Matt Slater, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024
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Federico Guerrini, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Designing for emotions On Thursday, Amit described the rationale behind some of NewDealDesign’s recent projects, including its work with Serve Robotics, a company that provided delivery through small autonomous delivery vehicles.
—Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 5 Dec. 2024
But the rationale for dismissing the case entirely, rather than simply delaying sentencing till after Trump's term ends, is much less clear.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
Our rationale is that Sawiris, who went to college in the U.S. and has a base there, teamed up to buy Villa with NBA club Milwaukee Bucks’ co-owner Wes Edens, and their V Sports group feels more American than Egyptian.
—Matt Slater, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 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 18 Dec. 2024.
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rationale
noun
ra·tio·nale
ˌrash-ə-ˈnal
: a basic reason or explanation for something
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