“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).
Similar words
| Word | Similar words |
|---|---|
| rational | logical, reasonable, cogent, coherent, judicious, well reasoned, sensible, shrewd, sagacious, intelligent, wise, prudent |
| rationale | grounds, theory, reasoning, logic, case, philosophy, hypothesis |
Word origin
|
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”. |
|
1650s, “exposition of principles,” from Late Latin rationale, noun use of neuter of Latin rationalis “of reason”. |
Learn other misused words
Practice: Rational or rationale?
Her decision was very ______ and well thought out.
Can you explain the ______ behind this policy?
He gave a ______ argument during the debate.
The ______ for the new rule was explained clearly.
It is ______ to save money for emergencies.
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, Jul 20, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/is-it-rational-or-rationale-whats-the-difference/.
