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
Did you know?
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.
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
Explaining its rationale for lowering its credit rating on the United States for the first time since 1917, Moody’s cited ballooning US debt levels and Washington’s intransigence over budget deficit solutions.
—
David Goldman, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
Comfortable dress shoes are a worthwhile gamble, accenting the tone of the outfit with the rationale of a day spent walking around (sometimes through mud).
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman revealed the rationale behind the roster decision, citing a competitive division race this season.
—Valentina Martinez, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
At the December meeting, representatives from the church gave a presentation on their rationale for the project, discussing the church’s financial situation and need for additional parking in the area, among other concerns.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
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David Goldman, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
Comfortable dress shoes are a worthwhile gamble, accenting the tone of the outfit with the rationale of a day spent walking around (sometimes through mud).
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman revealed the rationale behind the roster decision, citing a competitive division race this season.
—Valentina Martinez, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
At the December meeting, representatives from the church gave a presentation on their rationale for the project, discussing the church’s financial situation and need for additional parking in the area, among other concerns.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationale. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rationale
noun
ra·tio·nale
ˌrash-ə-ˈnal
: a basic reason or explanation for something
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