Main Entry: ra·tio·nal·ize

Pronunciation: \ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): ra·tio·nal·ized; ra·tio·nal·iz·ing

Date: 1803

transitive verb 1 : to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable: as a : to substitute a natural for a supernatural explanation of <rationalize a myth> b : to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives <rationalized his dislike of his brother> ; broadly : to create an excuse or more attractive explanation for <rationalize the problem>
2 : to free (a mathematical expression) from irrational parts <rationalize a denominator>
3 : to apply the principles of scientific management to (as an industry or its operations) for a desired result (as increased efficiency)intransitive verb : to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct

— ra·tio·nal·iz·able \ˌrash-nə-ˈlī-zə-bəl, ˌra-shə-nə-ˈlī-\ adjective

— ra·tio·nal·i·za·tion \ˌrash-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən, ˌra-shə-nə-lə-\ noun

— ra·tio·nal·iz·er \ˈrash-nə-ˌlī-zər, ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlī-\ noun