Pronunciation guide
How to pronounce rationale
rash-uh-NAL (US) or rash-uh-NAHL (UK); three syllables, stress at the end
US/ˌɹæʃ.əˈnæl/
ɹæʃənæl
UK/ˌɹæʃ.əˈnɑːl/
ɹæʃənɑːl
New to IPA symbols? Read the IPA guide.
Common mistake
It is not the same as 'rational' - 'rationale' adds a stressed final syllable, 'rash-uh-NAL'.
What “rationale” means
An explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something.
A justification or rationalization for something.
In a sentence
- The rationale for the policy was outlined in the briefing.
- Researchers explained the rationale behind the proposal.
Definitions and examples are derived from Wiktionary, used under CC BY-SA 4.0, then edited by QuickPronounce. Pronunciation data draws on CMUdict.