The rationale for a course of action, practice, or belief is the set of reasons on which it isbased.
[formal]
However, the rationale for such initiatives is not, of course, solely economic. [+ for]
The rationale of reprocessing spent nuclear fuel is inevitably being questioned.
Synonyms: reason, grounds, theory, principle More Synonyms of rationale
rationale in British English
(ˌræʃəˈnɑːl)
noun
a reasoned exposition, esp one defining the fundamental reasons for a course of action, belief, etc
Word origin
C17: from New Latin, from Latin ratiōnālis
rationale in American English
(ˌræʃəˈnæl)
noun
1.
the fundamental reasons, or rational basis, for something
2.
a statement, exposition, or explanation of reasons or principles
Word origin
ML < L, neut. of rationalis, rational
Examples of 'rationale' in a sentence
rationale
Most economists say there is no economic rationale behind such targets, which would inevitably hit growth.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The same grim economic rationale driving the mergers is also leading to cuts in officer numbers.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The economic rationale for picking a small core of "target" industries has declined.
Hirst, Paul After Thatcher (1989)
The draft does not provide the rationale for the proposal.
Christianity Today (2000)
Ministers were asked to explain the rationale behind the scheme during a trial earlier this year.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He spoke quickly too when explaining his rationale for welfare reform.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
There is one obvious rationale behind mergers of fund managers.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
One can understand the rationale behind all of this.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
And understanding the intellectual rationale for the study of the past is equally significant.
The Times Literary Supplement (2008)
The economic rationale has two strands.
Walklate, Sandra Victimology - the victim and the criminal justice process (1989)
Can you please explain the rationale?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Not only is there a strong moral agenda, but a clear economic rationale to this argument.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
In particular, they began to search for an economic motive or rationale for the war.
Hunt, E. K. Property and Prophets: The Evolution of Economic Institutions and Ideologies (1995)
There's clear economic rationale for it to become part of a larger business or merged with another company to grow.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The literature on rationale effects provided a good deal of support for the general position that undesirable behaviors can often be suppressed without resorting to punishment.
Pressley, Michael & McCormick, Christine Advanced Educational Psychology For Educators, Researchers and Policymakers, (1995)
The inspection report added: 'We were not provided with any rationale to support this view.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is to use an existing iron ore seminar on November 26 to explain its rationale to shareholders.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The Bill now limits mandatory jury inquests to death in custody and police cases, without explaining the rationale for this.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
In other languages
rationale
British English: rationale NOUN
The rationale for a course of action, practice, or belief is the set of reasons on which it is based.
However, the rationale for such initiatives is not, of course, solely economic.
American English: rationale
Brazilian Portuguese: razão fundamental
Chinese: 全部理由
European Spanish: razón fundamental
French: justification
German: Grundlage
Italian: fondamento logico
Japanese: 理論的根拠
Korean: 이유
European Portuguese: razão fundamental
Latin American Spanish: razón fundamental
(noun)
Definition
the reason for an action or belief
the rationale for punishment
Synonyms
reason
I hope you have a good reason for your behaviour.
grounds
theory
He produced a theory about historical change.
principle
the principles of quantum theory
philosophy
He studied philosophy and psychology at Cambridge.
logic
The plan was based on sound commercial logic.
motivation
Money is my motivation.
exposition
raison d'être (French)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of logic
Definition
reasoned thought or argument, as distinguished from irrationality
The plan was based on sound commercial logic.
Synonyms
reason,
reasoning,
sense,
good reason,
good sense,
sound judgment
in the sense of motivation
Money is my motivation.
Synonyms
incentive,
inspiration,
motive,
stimulus,
reason,
spur,
impulse,
persuasion,
inducement,
incitement,
instigation,
carrot and stick
in the sense of philosophy
Definition
the particular doctrines of a specific individual or school relating to these issues
He studied philosophy and psychology at Cambridge.
Synonyms
thought,
reason,
knowledge,
thinking,
reasoning,
wisdom,
logic,
metaphysics
Synonyms of 'rationale'
rationale
Explore 'rationale' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of principle
Definition
a general law in science
the principles of quantum theory
Synonyms
rule,
idea,
law,
theory,
basis,
truth,
concept,
formula,
fundamental,
assumption,
essence,
proposition,
verity,
golden rule,
precept
in the sense of theory
Definition
a set of ideas, based on evidence and careful reasoning, which offers an explanation of how something works or why something happens, but has not been completely proved