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
Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit also challenges the FCC’s rationale for waiving of the duopoly rule, which prohibirs one company from owning more than two stations in the same market.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026
Among the chief rationales for the lower tax rate on capital gains is to counter the effect of inflation.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
The White House's rationale White House officials first claimed the funds were held up pending review of the MTA's minority- and women-owned business contracts.
—Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 17 Mar. 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 31 Mar. 2026.
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rationale
noun
