|rashə|nal sometimes -näl or -nȧl or ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ē or ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈnālē or -li noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin, neuter of rationalis rational — more at rational
1. : an explanation or exposition of controlling principles (as of an opinion, belief, practice, or phenomenon)
the rationale of the decision in the case — J.D.Johnson
the most popular rationale of religious behavior — J.D.Hart
a rationale of present practice in probation and parole — Columbia University Press Books
a rationale of retail prices — C.G.Burke
2. : the underlying reason : rational basis : justification , ground
the rationale of the law — Walter Adams
a plausible … rationale for conformity — W.H.Whyte
no rationale underlying the new therapeutic approach can be offered at this early stage — Journal American Medical Association