What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rationale
Example
The rationale behind the new policy is to increase productivity. [rationale: noun]
Example
She presented a clear rationale for her argument. [rationale: adjective]
reasoning
Example
Her reasoning was flawed, and she failed to convince the audience. [reasoning: noun]
Example
He used deductive reasoning to solve the problem. [reasoning: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reasoning is more commonly used than rationale in everyday language. Reasoning is a versatile term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while rationale is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rationale and reasoning?
Rationale is more formal than reasoning. It is often used in academic or business settings to provide a systematic and logical explanation for a particular decision or action. Reasoning, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the process of thinking and making logical conclusions.
