rationale
noun
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If someone asserts that the word rationale refers to a ration of ale, they are wrong, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have an actual rationale (a reason, explanation, or basis) for such a claim. “Rationale looks like the words ration and ale jammed together,” they could offer, and while that is true you’d be justified in responding: “Appearances can be deceiving.” 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.” The Latin rationale comes from a form of the adjective rationalis (“rational”), which traces back to the noun ratio, meaning “reason.” While the Latin ratio is also the forebear of the English noun ration, referring to a share of something, rationale has nothing to do with a tankard (or stein, or even a pony) of beer.
Examples of rationale in a Sentence
Jeff Cox, CNBC, 1 May 2026
The rationale behind this is a real insult to voters’ intelligence.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
But representatives of Ofland Hotels didn’t cite the litigation as rationale for walking away from the project.
—Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
The internal presentation also cites an August executive order as one rationale for the change.
—Anil Oza, STAT, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationale. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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rationale
noun
