Rationale is a direct borrowing of the Latin word rationale, with which it shares the meaning “an explanation of controlling principles of opinion, belief, practice, or phenomena.”

RATIONALE definition: 1. the reasons or intentions that cause a particular set of beliefs or actions: 2. the reasons or…. Learn more.

RATIONALE definition: the fundamental reason or reasons serving to account for something. See examples of rationale used in a sentence.

Definition of rationale noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 11, 2025 · From Late Latin ratiōnāle. rationale (plural rationales or rationalia) An explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something.

There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun rationale, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Rationale definition: The fundamental reasons for something; the basis.

The rationale for something is the basic or underlying reason or explanation for it. This noun (pronounced "rash-uh-NAL") is usually used in the singular: What was the rationale behind his …

rationale meaning, definition, what is rationale: the reasons for a decision, belief etc: Learn more.

The rationale for a course of action, practice, or belief is the set of reasons on which it is based.