Rationale vs. Rational — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 5, 2023
"Rationale" is a noun referring to the underlying reason for something; "rational" is an adjective describing logical, reasoned thinking or behavior.
Difference Between Rationale and Rational
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Rationale" is a noun that denotes the underlying reason or justification for something. "Rational," on the other hand, is an adjective that characterizes thinking or behavior as logical, reasoned, and sensible.
While "rationale" is used to explain the thought process or reasoning behind a decision or action, "rational" is used to describe a manner of thinking that is consistent with logic or reason.
Both words share a root in the Latin word "rationalis," meaning reason. However, "rationale" focuses on the presentation of the reason, while "rational" evaluates the adherence to reason.
One might provide a "rationale" for a decision made, explaining the thought behind it. On the other hand, if someone acts in a way that makes sense and is reasoned, their behavior can be described as "rational."
In daily conversation, one might ask for the "rationale" behind a decision to understand it better. Alternatively, if someone is behaving logically and not emotionally, they might be described as being "rational."
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Adjective
Definition
The underlying reason or justification.
Logical, reasoned thinking or behavior.
Related to
Explanation or justification.
Logic or reason.
Usage Example
"What's the rationale for this decision?"
"His response was entirely rational."
Grammatical Variants
Rationales (plural)
Rationally (adverb), Rationality (noun).
Compare with Definitions
Rationale
An explanation or justification for a belief or action.
The scientist provided a rationale for her hypothesis.
Rational
Free from emotion; reasonable.
Despite the provocation, her response was rational.
Rationale
The fundamental reason or reasoning presented for a particular action.
The company's rationale for relocating was cost-saving.
Rational
Based on reason or logic.
His decision was completely rational.
Rationale
An underlying basis or principle.
The rationale of the theory was widely accepted.
Rational
Having the ability to think sensibly or logically.
Humans are considered rational beings.
Rationale
A statement of reasons or logical basis.
His rationale for the strategy was compelling.
Rational
Relating to, based on, or agreeable to reason.
It's the only rational explanation for the event.
Rationale
The thought process behind a decision.
The project's rationale was detailed in the report.
Rational
Characterized by clear, sound reasoning.
The rational argument persuaded the audience.
Rationale
The fundamental reasons for something; the basis
The rationale for dropping the atomic bomb.
Rational
Having or exercising the ability to reason.
Rationale
An explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something.en
Rational
Consistent with or based on reason or good judgment; logical or sensible
Rational decisions.
Rationale
A justification or rationalization for something.
Rational
Of sound mind; sane
Wondered if the eccentric neighbor was not completely rational.
Rationale
A liturgical vestment worn by some Christian bishops of various denominations.
Rational
(Mathematics) Capable of being expressed as a quotient of integers.
Rationale
An explanation or exposition of the principles of some opinion, action, hypothesis, phenomenon, or the like; also, the principles themselves.
Rational
A rational number.
Rationale
(law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature);
The rationale for capital punishment
The principles of internal-combustion engines
Rational
Capable of reasoning.
Man is a rational creature.
Rational
Logically sound; not self-contradictory or otherwise absurd.
His statements were quite rational.
Rational
(of a person or personal characteristics) Healthy or balanced intellectually; exhibiting reasonableness.
Rational conduct
Rational
Of a number, capable of being expressed as the ratio of two integers.
¾ is a rational number, but √2 is an irrational number.
Rational
Of an algebraic expression, capable of being expressed as the ratio of two polynomials.
Rational
(chemistry) Expressing the type, structure, relations, and reactions of a compound; graphic; said of formulae.
Rational
(physics) Expressing a physical object.
A rational table is physical, a written table is neither.
Rational
(mathematics) A rational number: a number that can be expressed as the quotient of two integers.
The quotient of two rationals is again a rational.
Rational
(historical) The breastplate worn by Israelite high priests.
Rational
Relating to the reason; not physical; mental.
Moral philosophy was his chiefest end; for the rational, the natural, and mathematics . . . were but simple pastimes in comparison of the other.
Rational
Having reason, or the faculty of reasoning; endowed with reason or understanding; reasoning.
It is our glory and happiness to have a rational nature.
Rational
Agreeable to reason; not absurd, preposterous, extravagant, foolish, fanciful, or the like; wise; judicious; as, rational conduct; a rational man.
Rational
Expressing the type, structure, relations, and reactions of a compound; graphic; - said of formulæ. See under Formula.
What higher in her society thou find'stAttractive, human, rational, love still.
A law may be reasonable in itself, although a man does not allow it, or does not know the reason of the lawgivers.
Rational
A rational being.
Rational
Consistent with or based on or using reason;
Rational behavior
A process of rational inference
Rational thought
Rational
Of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind;
Intellectual problems
The triumph of the rational over the animal side of man
Rational
Capable of being expressed as a quotient of integers;
Rational numbers
Rational
Having its source in or being guided by the intellect (distinguished from experience or emotion);
A rational analysis
Common Curiosities
Can a "rationale" be flawed?
Yes, a rationale can be based on incorrect information or faulty reasoning.
Is "rationale" always related to reason?
Yes, "rationale" refers to the underlying reason or justification for something.
Do you need to provide a "rationale" for every decision?
Not for every decision, but it's often helpful, especially in formal or professional settings.
Is "rational" always the opposite of "emotional"?
Not always, but "rational" often contrasts with decisions or behaviors driven purely by emotion.
Can animals exhibit "rational" behavior?
Some animals can display behaviors that seem logical or problem-solving, which might be considered "rational."
Is "rational thinking" the same as "critical thinking"?
They're related, but not synonymous. "Rational thinking" is logical, while "critical thinking" evaluates and analyzes information.
Does "rational" always mean "correct"?
No, a decision can be logical (rational) but not necessarily correct or optimal.
Can an action be "rational" but not wise?
Yes, an action can be "rational" (logical) but may not necessarily be the wisest choice.
Can one provide multiple "rationales" for a single action?
Yes, there can be multiple reasons or rationales behind a single decision or action.
Can a "rationale" change over time?
Yes, as more information becomes available or circumstances change, the rationale can evolve.
Can a machine or AI be "rational"?
Machines or AI can operate based on logic and can make decisions that appear "rational."
Can a "rationale" be subjective?
Yes, rationales can be influenced by personal perspectives or experiences.
Is being "rational" always the best approach?
While rationality is valued, there are situations where intuition, emotion, or other factors play a crucial role.
Is "rationale" used in academic writing?
Yes, "rationale" is often used to explain the reasoning behind research, hypotheses, or arguments.
Is it possible for someone to understand the "rationale" but not agree with it?
Absolutely, understanding someone's reasoning doesn't necessarily mean agreeing with their conclusions.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
