noun
rationale
rash-uh-NAL/ˌræʃəˈnæl/
The underlying reason or explanation for something.
The planner explains the rationale for choosing this safe bridge route.
Etymology
Latin ratio covered both calculation and reason. The adjective meaning “of reason” became a noun for an exposition of principles, then for the reasoning that supports a decision, belief, or action.
In context
the legal reasoning, or rationale, behind the holding. If a justice agrees with the holding in the majority opinion, but for different legal reasons, they write a concurring opinion.
More examples
- The school’s rationale for starting later is that teenagers need more sleep.
- I understand your conclusion, but I question the rationale behind it.
- The two teams offer different rationales for the same design.
Forms
rationale · rationales
rational adjective — based on reason or clear thinking
Similar words
- reason
- Can name a single cause rather than a developed explanation.
- justification
- Emphasizes showing that something is right or acceptable.
- logic
- Emphasizes connections between ideas rather than reasons for a choice.