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
Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Zay cites the sandwich's cultural significance, role in tourism, and positive impact on the state's pork industry as rationale for the designation.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 8 Jan. 2026
The rationale for not shooting at moving vehicles Prioritizing the protection of life doesn’t rule out deadly force.
—Ben Jones, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026
The strategic rationale for intervening in Venezuela — as opposed to deploying all that military might in Asia or Europe, say — is no clearer.
—Andreas Kluth, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 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 19 Jan. 2026.
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rationale
noun
