plural rationales
somewhat formal
: the reason or explanation for something
—usually singular
That was a strange decision. What was their rationale?
—often + for, behind, or ofWhat was her rationale for leaving school?
He explained the rationale behind his early retirement.
I don't understand the rationale of his decision.
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“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/rationale. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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