rationale

noun

ra·tio·nale | \ ˌra-shə-ˈnal

Definition of rationale

1 : an explanation of controlling principles of opinion, belief, practice, or phenomena

2 : an underlying reason : basis

Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about rationale

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Did You Know?

The word rationale appeared in the second half of the 17th century, just in time for the Age of Reason. It is based on the Latin ratio, which means "reason," and rationalis, which means "endowed with reason." At first, rationale meant "an explanation of controlling principles" ("a rationale of religious practices," for example), but soon it began to refer to the underlying reason for something (as in "the rationale for her behavior"). The latter meaning is now the most common use of the term. The English word ratio can also mean "underlying reason" (in fact, it had this meaning before rationale did), but in current use, that word more often refers to 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

The rationale for building fancier dorms and rolling out plush amenities is that doing so might entice prospective students—especially those who can afford to pay full tuition—in a competitive higher-education market. — Joe Pinsker, The Atlantic, "The Age of the Comfy College Dorm," 29 Aug. 2019 The rationale for it is much weaker today because [labels are] making a lot more money. — Billboard Staff, Billboard, "Revealed: Billboard's 2019 Top Music Lawyers Led by BTS Counsel Debbie White of Loeb & Loeb," 26 Aug. 2019 Its rationale, in the eyes of both parents and proponents, was broadly utilitarian: Camp functioned as a vehicle for moral instruction as much as recreation, because kids’ characters needed building. — Mac Schwerin, Vox, "The case against summer camp," 16 Aug. 2019 Part of her rationale was that Mr. Epstein played a lucrative role recruiting new customers to JPMorgan’s private-banking division, which caters to ultrawealthy people and families, the six employees said. — Emily Flitter, New York Times, "JPMorgan Kept Jeffrey Epstein as a Client Despite Internal Warnings," 8 Aug. 2019 Trump declared his Presidential campaign on June 16, 2015, citing the presence of Mexican rapists as part of his rationale. — Jelani Cobb, The New Yorker, "How the Trail of American White Supremacy Led to El Paso," 6 Aug. 2019 When Barr inevitably pressed him on what, then, was his rationale, Mueller said his team was still formulating its reasoning. . — Andrew C. Mccarthy, National Review, "How Mueller’s Lawyers Spun the OLC Guidance on Indicting a Sitting President," 28 July 2019 Mayor London Breed and City Attorney Dennis Herrera sent Gov. Gavin Newsom a letter Wednesday outlining their rationale for looking at buying PG&E electric equipment serving the city and asking to meet with him soon. — J.d. Morris, SFChronicle.com, "San Francisco could soon make PG&E ‘attractive offer’ for power lines," 28 July 2019 Netflix famously does not disclose viewership numbers for most shows, so its rationale for canceling these particular series is unclear. — Tyler Aquilina, EW.com, "Netflix cancels Designated Survivor and Tuca & Bertie," 25 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rationale.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for rationale

rationale

noun

English Language Learners Definition of rationale

somewhat formal : the reason or explanation for something

See the full definition for rationale in the English Language Learners Dictionary

rationale

noun

ra·tio·nale | \ ˌra-shə-ˈnal

Kids Definition of rationale

: a basic explanation or reason for something What is the rationale behind your decision?

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rationale

Definition of rationale

Synonyms for rationale

Did You Know?

Examples of rationale in a Sentence

First Known Use of rationale

History and Etymology for rationale

English Language Learners Definition of rationale

Kids Definition of rationale

rationale

Definition of rationale

Synonyms for rationale

Did You Know?

Examples of rationale in a Sentence

First Known Use of rationale

History and Etymology for rationale

English Language Learners Definition of rationale

Kids Definition of rationale

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