rationale
gb/ɹˌæʃənˈæl/ us/ɹˌæʃənˈæl/
C1
English
~ 5700
indok, indoklás, elméleti megalapozás
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
1
Usage pattern:
the rationale for [an action/decision]
The company’s rationale for closing the branch was that it had been losing money for years.
A cég a fiók bezárását azzal indokolta, hogy az évek óta veszteséges volt.
Parents were angry because the school gave no clear rationale for changing the exam schedule.
A szülők dühösek voltak, mert az iskola nem adott egyértelmű indoklást a vizsgaidőpontok megváltoztatására.
Can you explain the rationale behind your choice of research method?
His main rationale for moving abroad was the chance to give his children a better education.
The government outlined its rationale for the new tax in a detailed press conference.
Learner examples
She asked her boss to explain the rationale for the new rule.
Megkérte a főnökét, hogy magyarázza el az új szabály indokát.
I do not understand the rationale behind his decision.
Nem értem a döntése mögötti indokot.
The teacher gave a clear rationale for the homework.
There is no good rationale for this policy.
He tried to give a logical rationale for his actions.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "rationale" (noun) with "rational" (adjective). For example, *"a rationale person"* is incorrect; it should be *"a rational person"*. Another mistake is using it without an article in singular countable use; in most cases you need an article: say *"the rationale"* or *"a clear rationale"*, not just *"rationale"* alone.
Meaning
underlying reason or justification
Collocations
the rationale behind
|the rationale for
|clear rationale
|sound rationale
|underlying rationale
|provide a rationale
Synonyms
reason (More general and common; does not always suggest careful or logical thinking the way "rationale" often does.)
|
justification (Emphasizes defending or proving that an action is right, often in response to criticism.)
|
logic (Focuses on the structure of the argument or thinking, not the explanation as a whole.)
Antonyms
irrationality (Highlights the lack of logical reasons or justification for a belief or action.)
Themes
business
|law
|daily life
|academia
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The main reason or explanation for why someone does something or believes something, especially in a careful or logical way.
The fundamental reason or logical justification for a particular decision, belief, action, or policy.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
2
indoklás
C1
Usage pattern:
the rationale for [a system/plan/program]
The course rationale explains how each module supports the overall learning goals.
A kurzus indoklása elmagyarázza, hogy az egyes modulok hogyan támogatják az átfogó tanulási célokat.
Before approving the project, the committee asked for a written rationale outlining its strategic importance.
A projekt jóváhagyása előtt a bizottság írásos indoklást kért, amely bemutatja annak stratégiai jelentőségét.
The design rationale shows why the product uses these materials and not cheaper alternatives.
Researchers must include a clear rationale for their chosen methods in the proposal.
The policy rationale is to reduce traffic congestion while promoting public transport.
Learner examples
The teacher gave us the course rationale on the first day.
A tanár az első napon odaadta nekünk a kurzus indoklását.
You should write a short rationale for your study plan.
Írj egy rövid indoklást a tanulmányi tervedhez.
The manager asked for the business rationale of the new project.
This document is the rationale for the new school program.
Please read the rationale before you look at the detailed plan.
Common mistake:
Learners may use "rationale" here when "overview" or "summary" is meant. A rationale must explain the reasons or theory behind the structure, not just describe its parts. For example, *"This is the rationale of the book"* is unclear if it only lists chapters and does not explain why they are arranged that way.
Meaning
theoretical basis of a system
Collocations
course rationale
|design rationale
|policy rationale
|research rationale
|strategic rationale
|curriculum rationale
Synonyms
theoretical basis (Highlights the academic or theoretical foundation more than the everyday explanatory aspect.)
|
framework (Suggests an overall structure of ideas; may be broader and less explicitly focused on reasons.)
Antonyms
randomness (Suggests that something is arranged without any planned structure or reasoning, the opposite of a planned rationale.)
Themes
academia
|planning
|education
|business
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The formal explanation of why a system, plan, or program is made in a certain way.
A structured set of reasons or theoretical explanation that supports how a particular system, plan, program, or design is organized.
Grammar
Dictionary form
rationale
IPA
GB/ɹˌæʃənˈæl/
US/ɹˌæʃənˈæl/
Syllables & stress
ra - tionale (2 syllables)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: rationale
- Plural: rationales
Word family
Forms
rationales
noun
Core family
Related words
rationalize
verb
rationalization
noun
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
rationalism
noun C1
rationalist
noun
Expressions
the rationale behind something
1/ðə ɹˌæʃənˈæl bɪhˈaɪnd sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
the reason or logic supporting something
the main reason or logical explanation for something, especially a decision, rule, or plan
Examples
- Citizens are confused about the rationale behind the new immigration rules.
- The report sets out the rationale behind the company’s decision to close two factories.
- Could you clarify the rationale behind these safety procedures for the staff?
the rationale for something
1/ðə ɹˌæʃənˈæl fɚ sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
the justification for something
the main reason or logical support for a plan, action, or rule
Examples
- The minister explained the rationale for increasing fuel taxes.
- We need to make the rationale for these changes very clear to our customers.
- The document outlines the rationale for the new training program.