0 the reasons or intentions that cause a particular set of beliefs or actions: --
I don't understand the rationale for these restrictions.
He tried to explain the scientific rationale behind his work.
1 the reasons or intentions for a particular set of thoughts or actions: --
[ C ] I don’t understand your rationale.
2 the set of reasons that are given to explain a particular decision, action, etc.: --
We can complete it step by step however long the road is and it can't be completed however short the road is if you don't even mark your footprint.
We kunnen het stap voor stap voltooien, hoe lang de weg ook is en het kan niet worden voltooid, hoe kort de weg ook is, als je niet eens je voetafdruk markeert.