rationale

UK: /ˌræʃəˈnæl/, /ˌræʃəˈnɑːl/ US: /ˌræʃəˈnæl/ ,(rash′ə nal′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ra•tion•ale /ˌræʃəˈnæl/   n. 

1. the fundamental or basic reason or reasons serving to account for something:
   [uncountable] There is no rationale for such behavior.
2. [countable] a statement of reasons or principles.

See -ratio-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

ra•tion•ale  (rash′ə nal′), n. 

1. the fundamental reason or reasons serving to account for something.
2. a statement of reasons.
3. a reasoned exposition of principles.

• Latin: neuter of ratiōnālis rational
• 1650–60

Synonyms

• 1. logic, basis, grounds.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

rationale / ˌræʃəˈnɑːl/ noun

1. a reasoned exposition, esp one defining the fundamental reasons for a course of action, belief, etc

Etymology: 17th Century: from New Latin, from Latin ratiōnālis