Rationale
Every budget line item wants a story; this noun is the grown-up name for that story when someone asks why, not just how much.
Learn This WordMeaning
A set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action, belief, or decision.
Memory trick
Think “RATIONAL” → “rationale” is the rational reason behind something.
Examples
She explained the rationale behind the new pricing model.
The memo outlines the rationale for changing the roadmap.
I understand your rationale, but I disagree with the conclusion.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin rationale "reasoning," from rationalis "of reason," from ratio "reason, calculation."
Usage Notes
Very common in professional writing. It’s useful when you want to foreground the “why” behind a decision.
Real-life contexts
Use at work: "What’s the rationale for this change?"
Use in debate: "I follow your rationale, but here’s my concern."
Use in writing: "State the rationale clearly at the top."
Common Mistakes
Rationale is the reasoning itself; avoid “the rationale is because…”, prefer “the rationale is that…” or “the rationale is to…”
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
noun
Difficulty
intermediateMonthly Searches
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