unspokenrationale

noun

UK /ʌnˈspəʊkən ˌræʃəˈnɑːl/

US /ʌnˈspoʊkən ˌræʃəˈnæl/

A reason that people keep in their heads and do not say out loud.

The unspokenrationale for the surprise party was to cheer up Grandma.

SYNONYMS

hidden reason silent motive unstated logic private justification

RELATED WORDS

motive justification reasoning intention

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The quiet logic behind a group's choice that everyone seems to understand without talking about it.

There was an unspokenrationale behind the team always picking the same captain.

3. A personal explanation someone keeps secret for why they did something.

His unspokenrationale for leaving early was that he wanted to avoid traffic.

4. An underlying cause that is felt but never written down or announced.

The unspokenrationale for the new rule was to keep the hallway quiet.