Rational or Rationale?

search our site by Craig Shrives

What Is the Difference between "Rational" and "Rationale"?

"Rational" and "rationale" are easy to confuse because they look similar and both meanings relate to logic.

• "Rational" means well reasoned or logical. For example:
• That was a rational decision.
• "Rationale" means logic, sense, or thinking. For example:
• What was the rationale for your decision?

Click to hear how "rational" and "rationale" are pronounced:

More about "Rational" and "Rationale"

"Rational" and "rationale" are words that tend to appear in documents intended for a sophisticated audience, and they will expect you to use the right word.

Rational

The word "rational" is an adjective that describes something based on reason or logic. It is often seen in the phrases "rational thinking" and "rational decision."

Example sentences with "rational":

• Insanity - a perfectly rational adjustment to an insane world.
• I've always believed in the power of rational thinking.

Rationale

The word "rationale" is a noun that refers to the set of reasons behind a course of action or belief.

Example sentences with "rationale":

• I think a legitimate rationale for war is the saving of human life.
• In searching for a rationale to go to war, Bush settled on the notion of Saddam as an incarnation of evil.

Ready for the Test?