rationale
/ˌɹæʃ.əˈnɑːl/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: rationales · rationalia
Sense 1
Meaning · English
An explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A justification or rationalization for something.
Noun
Examples
He confirmed that Bashir successfully manipulated Diana’s paranoia by showing her brother, Earl Spencer, forged documents that “proved” her closest advisers had betrayed her to the palace, inflaming her desire to speak out for herself. Bashir lied his way to the biggest TV scoop of the 20th century.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “rationale” mean?
An explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something.
Is “rationale” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.