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rationale

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈræʃəˌnæl/

KK: /ræʃəˌnæl/

noun
Definition

A set of reasons or explanations for something, often used to justify a decision or action.


Example

The rationale behind the new policy was explained in the meeting.


Conversation
Sloth A
I was thinking about the rationale behind our project choices.
Sloth B
That's a good point! It's important to understand why we picked those options.
Sloth A
Exactly! I believe the rationale will help us justify our decisions later.
Sloth B
For sure, it will make our presentation much stronger.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
justification
explanation
reasoning
Antonyms
irrationality
absurdity
nonsense
Root Explanation

**Rationale** → It is formed from "ratio" (from Latin, meaning reason or calculation) and "-nale" (a suffix used to form nouns). The word "rationale" refers to the underlying reason or explanation for something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'ratio' as the 'reason' behind something — that's why 'rationale' means the reasoning or explanation for a decision.

Visually Confused Words
orational
irrationable
unrational
tractional
rotational
relational
reactional
irrational
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