Word
rationale
Phoneticsra·tio·nale, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɹæʃəˈnæɫ/
UK/ɹˌæʃənˈæl/
Definitions
01logical basis
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic · Formal
n. the reasons why someone decides to do something or why something exists.
n. the underlying reason or set of reasons that forms the logical basis for an action or belief.
“The rationale for the new law was to improve safety on the roads.”
“The CEO provided a detailed rationale for the merger, citing long-term market stability and the potential for technological synergy.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'for' or 'behind'.
02religious vestment
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Religion Archaic · Technical
n. a special piece of clothing worn by some high-ranking church leaders during ceremonies.
n. a liturgical vestment worn by certain Christian bishops, primarily in specific historical or high-church traditions.
“The ancient rationale was decorated with gold and precious stones.”
“The museum's collection includes a rare medieval rationale, illustrating the intricate embroidery typical of fourteenth-century liturgical attire.”
Usage
Used as a countable noun in ecclesiastical contexts.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “rationale” in context.
Verb
01. provide rationale
“The committee asked the architect to provide a clear rationale for the unconventional design.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“The rationale for moving the voting online is the technical difficulty of requiring fans to vote for multiple acts via text message or phone votes.” “You can understand the rationale, which was that female biology should never hold you back.” Etymology
From Late Latin ratiōnāle.
From Latin ratiōnāle.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/rationale