rationale

What it means

1. An explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something.

   Synonyms: reasoning, rationalization

2. A justification or rationalization for something.

   1 more example

   He confirmed that Bashir successfully manipulated Diana’s paranoia by showing her brother, Earl Spencer, forged documents that “proved” her closest advisers had betrayed her to the palace, inflaming her desire to speak out for herself. Bashir lied his way to the biggest TV scoop of the 20th century. Dyson’s censure at least gave her two sons some rationale for why Diana did something so destructive to their happiness.

   April 5 2022, Tina Brown, “How Princess Diana’s Dance With the Media Impacted William and Harry”, in Vanity Fair

   Synonyms: reasoning

In a sentence

the local bishop, H.E. Gregor Maria Hanke, is shown wearing that rarest of liturgical garments, the rationale.

2015, Gregory Dipippo, Rationale Worn by the Bishop of Eichstätt

Where it comes from

1. Late Latinratiōnāle
2. Englishrationale

From Late Latin ratiōnāle.