C1nounformalacademic
US/ˌræʃ.əˈnæl/
UK/ˌræʃ.əˈnɑːl/
the reasons or principles that explain a decision, plan or belief
In context
In the introduction, explain the rationale for choosing this research topic.
The rationale behind the new uniform policy was never made clear to parents.
There is a strong economic rationale for investing in early childhood education.
Words that go with rationale
noun + preposition
- rationale forWhat is the rationale for testing children so young?
- rationale behindThe rationale behind the decision was purely financial.
adjective + noun
- economic rationaleThe economic rationale for the tax is weak.
- clear rationaleEvery lesson should have a clear rationale.
- underlying rationaleFew people understood the underlying rationale of the reform.
verb + noun
- provide a rationaleThe authors provide a rationale for each research question.