Rationale Meaning
/ˌɹæʃ.əˈnɑːl/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounAn explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something.
nounA justification or rationalization for something.
Sentence Examples
The rationale behind certain New Age treatments can be dangerously wrong.
The rationale is simple.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The manager explained the ____ behind the new policy to the employees.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The manager explained the ____ behind the decision to restructure the department.
Word Origin & History
From Late Latin ratiōnāle.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"He confirmed that Bashir successfully manipulated Diana’s paranoia by showing her brother, Earl Spencer, forged documents that “proved” her closest advisers had betrayed her to the palace, inflaming her desire to speak out for herself. Bashir lied his way to the biggest TV scoop of the 20th century. Dyson’s censure at least gave her two sons some rationale for why Diana did something so destructive to their happiness."
— April 5 2022, Tina Brown, “How Princess Diana’s Dance With the Media Impacted William and Harry”, in Vanity Fair:
"the local bishop, H.E. Gregor Maria Hanke, is shown wearing that rarest of liturgical garments, the rationale."
— 2015, Gregory Dipippo, Rationale Worn by the Bishop of Eichstätt:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The manager explained the ____ behind the new policy to the employees.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The manager explained the ____ behind the decision to restructure the department.