rationale Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature)
    principle.
    • the rationale for capital punishment
    • the principles of internal-combustion engines

WordNet

Ra`tion*a"le noun
Etymology
L. rationalis, neut. rationale. See Rational, a.
Definitions
  1. An explanation or exposition of the principles of some opinion, action, hypothesis, phenomenon, or like; also, the principles themselves.

Webster 1913