ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rationale

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˌɹæʃəˈnæɫ// UK //ɹˌæʃənˈæl// ra·tio·nale Archaic

n. the main reason for a decision or action. You use this word when you want to explain the logic behind a choice, not just the result.

n. the underlying reason or logical basis for a course of action or belief. Typically used in formal or academic contexts to justify decisions.


SIMPLE

What is the rationale for this new rule?

CONTEXTUAL

The committee published the rationale for their budget cuts to explain the difficult choices to the public.

COMPLEX

The judge's ruling was praised for its clear rationale, which linked the legal precedent directly to the specific circumstances of the case.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Late Latin ratiōnāle.

Etymology 2

From Latin ratiōnāle.

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