What does "rationale" mean?

An explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something.

How do you pronounce "rationale"?

Pronounced //ˌɹæʃ.əˈnæl//.

Common synonyms include: account, account for individual differences, alibis, allegorization, amendment intent, apologias.

/ˌɹæʃ.əˈnæl/ noun

noun ·Moderate ·High school level

Noun

1
An explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something.
2
A liturgical vestment worn by some Christian bishops of various denominations. rare
"the local bishop, H.E. Gregor Maria Hanke, is shown wearing that rarest of liturgical garments, the rationale."
3
(law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature) wordnet
4
A justification or rationalization for something.
"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."

"The rationale behind certain New Age treatments can be dangerously wrong."

Etymology 1

From Late Latin ratiōnāle.

Etymology 2

From Latin ratiōnāle.