“Rational” vs. “rationale”
When is it correct to use rational or rationale? If you’ve been using rational and rationale interchangeably, then let this post clarify why you shouldn’t.
The committee made a rational decision after considering all perspectives.
The rationale for the new schedule was to reduce overtime.
His explanation was not very rationale. instead of ‘rational’ (adjective) to describe the explanation.)
Can you explain the rational behind your proposal? (Incorrectly uses ‘rational’ (adjective) instead of ‘rationale’ (noun) to refer to the reasons.)
Despite the one letter difference, rational and rationale are pronounced differently and belong to different parts of speech: rationale being a noun and rational an adjective, for the most part. Here’s a guide on how to use both.
| Sentences with rationale | Sentences with rational | |
| The rationale behind the new policy is to improve employee productivity and work-life balance. | Human beings are rational creatures. |
Rational or rationale
- Rational is an adjective or describing word that means “based on or in accordance with reason or logic: I’m sure there’s a perfectly rational explanation.”
- Rationale is a noun that means “a set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action or a particular belief: He explained the rationale behind the change.”
In short, we use rational to describe someone or something as logical or sensible. A rationale means something different: it’s an abstract noun that points to a set of reasons or logic behind something, like a policy or a certain course of action.
Sentence examples with “rational” (adj.)
| Word Form | Examples |
|---|---|
| Other | The scientist used rational analysis to explain the observed phenomena in the experiment.
In a rational society, decisions are made based on evidence and logical reasoning rather than superstition. She made a rational choice by selecting the most cost-effective option for her budget. |
Sentence examples with “rationale” (noun)
| Word Form | Examples |
|---|---|
| Other | The school board explained the rationale for implementing a dress code to promote a more focused learning environment.
The government outlined the rationale for the tax reform, emphasizing its benefits for economic growth. The rationale behind the decision to invest in renewable energy is to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. |
Rational (adjective) ends in -al, just like logic-al (also an adjective).
Synonyms of rational
- logical
- reasonable
- cogent
- coherent
- judicious
- well reasoned
- sensible
- shrewd
- sagacious
- intelligent
- wise
- prudent
Synonyms of rationale
- grounds
- theory
- reasoning
- logic
- case
- philosophy
- hypothesis
Origin of rational
|
Late 14c., racional, “pertaining to or springing from reason;” mid-15c., of persons, “endowed with reason, having the power of reasoning,” from Old French racionel and directly from Latin rationalis “of or belonging to reason, reasonable”. |
Origin of rationale
|
1650s, “exposition of principles,” from Late Latin rationale, noun use of neuter of Latin rationalis “of reason”. |
Read about other commonly confused words
Worksheet
According to the post, which word is generally used as a noun meaning “a set of reasons or a logical basis”?
Which sentence incorrectly uses “rational” or “rationale” according to the blog post’s examples?
Which word is described as an adjective meaning “based on or in accordance with reason or logic”?
In the phrase “a rational mindset,” what part of speech is “rational”?
Which sentence correctly uses “rational” or “rationale”?
The school board explained the for implementing a dress code.
It is important to approach complex problems with a mindset.
The scientist used analysis to explain the phenomena.
The behind the decision was clearly explained.
Making a choice involves considering all relevant factors logically.
FAQs
What is the difference rational vs rationale?
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When should I use the word rational?
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When should I use the word rationale?
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What are common usage errors for these words?
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Are rational and rationale pronounced the same?
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Yash, D. "Is it Rational or Rationale?." Grammarflex, Jun 23, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/is-it-rational-or-rationale-whats-the-difference/.
Sources
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Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of rationale.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/rationale. Accessed 7 September, 2023.
