rationale

February 28, 2015

noun

\rash-uh-NAL\

Definition

1

: an explanation of controlling principles of opinion, belief, practice, or phenomena

2

: an underlying reason : basis

Examples 

The newspaper's editorial reflected the concerns of many who questioned the rationale behind the mayor's decision.

"… the sacred trust that elected officials will share all options they've explored, identify the ones they haven't, and share the rationale behind their decisions." — Robert F. Walsh, Stratford (Connecticut) Star, January 29, 2015

Source: merriam-webster.com