“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.
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.)
It is important to approach complex problems with a rational mindset rather than relying on emotions alone.
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)
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.
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
Sources
- Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of rationale.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/rationale. Accessed 7 September, 2023.
- Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of rational.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/rational. Accessed 7 September, 2023.
