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
Thomas Black, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
As a result, the city recently pointed to its need to replace lead service lines in advance of the EPA deadline, as well as make other improvements, as the rationale for a series of utility rate hikes that were approved by the council earlier this month.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Councilmember Jessie Lopez questioned the rationale for inviting so many outside agencies if the goal was to protect constitutional rights.
—Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
That sort of overreach could give Hezbollah new life by lending credence to the political rationale behind its paramilitary activities.
—Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 23 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 28 Apr. 2026.
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rationale
noun
