rationale

/ˌræʃəˈnɑːl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌræʃəˈnæl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌra-shə-ˈnal/ (ame, mw)

rationale — noun

  • rationalesingular
  • rationalesplural

1. a set of logical reasons that explain why a particular decision was made, a plan

1.名詞B2
釋義

a set of logical reasons that explain why a particular decision was made, a plan was chosen, or a belief is held

例句

The store manager explained the rationale behind the new opening hours to her team.

rationale + behind + noun

When Hassan asked about the budget cuts, the director laid out his full rationale.

lay out + rationale (collocation)

同義詞
  • reasoning

    focuses on the thought process or chain of logic, while rationale refers to the full set of reasons

  • logic

    emphasises the systematic, coherent structure of the argument rather than the reasons themselves

  • basis

    suggests the fundamental starting point or foundation, often less detailed than a full rationale

  • justification

    carries a stronger sense of defending or proving something is right

文法句型

rationale + for + noun/-ing

rationale + behind + noun

用法筆記

More formal than reason. Typically used in academic, legal, or business writing. The word often refers to a complete or organized set of reasons rather than a single simple explanation. Commonly paired with the prepositions for or behind.

常見錯誤

❌What was your rationale for being late?
✅What was your reason for being late?
💡rationale sounds overly formal for everyday situations like lateness; use reason instead.