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Rationales Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rationales

[หŒraสƒษ™หˆnalz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in academic writing

A set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action or a particular belief.

Synonyms

justification, logic, reasoning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rationales

Used to discuss underlying reasons in a more general sense, applicable in various scenarios including explanations, decisions, and policies.

  • There were several rationales for implementing the new system
  • The rationales provided were convincing enough to gain approval
reasoning

Applies to the process of thinking and forming conclusions, often emphasizing the cognitive process involved.

  • Her reasoning was clear and logical
  • The detectiveโ€™s reasoning led to solving the case
justification

Suited for explaining reasons for actions, especially when defending or excusing a particular behavior or decision.

  • He offered a strong justification for his actions during the presentation
  • The manager asked for a justification regarding the delay
logic

Often used to describe a method of reasoning that follows clear and sound principles; can apply in both formal and everyday contexts.

  • The logic behind his argument was impeccable
  • She couldnโ€™t follow the logic of his reasoning

Examples of usage

  • Her decision was based on sound rationales.
  • The professor asked for the students' rationales behind their research methodology.
Context #2 | Noun

in psychology

The underlying mental processes or cognitive strategies that influence behavior.

Synonyms

mental schema, motivation, thinking process.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rationales

Used when discussing the reasons or logical basis behind a decision, belief, or action. Often used in formal or academic settings.

  • The rationales for the new policy were clearly outlined in the report.
  • She provided several rationales for her decision to change careers.
motivation

Describes the driving force or desire behind someone's actions or behavior. Commonly used in personal development, psychology, and everyday conversations.

  • Her motivation to succeed pushed her to study harder.
  • The coach tried to boost the team's motivation before the big game.
thinking process

Refers to the sequence of thoughts that occur while reasoning or solving a problem. Can be used in both everyday contexts and more formal discussions.

  • He explained his thinking process behind solving the math problem.
  • Understanding someone else's thinking process can help in effective communication.
mental schema

Refers to the cognitive framework or concept that helps organize and interpret information. Typically used in psychology or educational discussions.

  • Children develop mental schemas to make sense of the world around them.
  • His mental schema for understanding social interactions was different from the norm.

Examples of usage

  • Understanding the patient's rationales can help in providing effective treatment.
  • Studying the rationales behind decision-making is a key aspect of cognitive psychology.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discourse, rationales are vital for constructing and evaluating arguments.
  • Different schools of thought, like Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics, offer various rationales for moral actions.
  • Philosophers stress the importance of sound rationales to avoid fallacies in reasoning.

Education

  • In teaching, educators often provide rationales for learning goals to help students understand their importance.
  • Rationales can aid in developing critical thinking skills, where students assess the validity of different arguments.
  • Educators encourage students to articulate their own rationales as a way to promote deeper understanding.

Psychology

  • Understanding rationales can help in cognitive-behavioral therapy; it explores the reasons behind thoughts and actions.
  • Psychology emphasizes that irrational beliefs often stem from faulty rationales, affecting behavior.
  • People create rationales to justify decisions, often leading to cognitive dissonance when their actions conflict with their stated beliefs.

Business

  • In business, providing a clear rationale for decisions can enhance trust and transparency with stakeholders.
  • Rationales are crucial during strategy presentations, where leaders justify their visions and plans.
  • Team members often need to hear rationales for changes to accept new initiatives or directions.

Origin of 'rationales'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'rationalis', meaning 'relating to reason'.
  • It entered English in the late 19th century, reflecting the importance of logic in discussions.
  • Its roots are connected to 'ratio', which indicates a logical way of comparing things.

The word 'rationales' originated from the Latin word 'rationalis', meaning 'reasonable'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass both logical reasoning in academic contexts and underlying mental processes in psychology.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,039, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.