rationalize

ra·tio·nal·ize

verb \ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz\

ra·tio·nal·izedra·tio·nal·iz·ing

Definition of RATIONALIZE

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

Examples of RATIONALIZE

1. She tried to rationalize her grandson's strange behavior by blaming it on the boy's father.
2. He couldn't rationalize buying such an expensive car.
3. She knows she shouldn't have done it—she's just trying to rationalize.
4. Management is thinking of ways to rationalize our system of production.

First Known Use of RATIONALIZE

1803

Related to RATIONALIZE

Synonyms

account (for), attribute, explain away, explain

Related Words

condone, excuse, forgive, justify; absolve, acquit, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

ra·tio·nal·ize

verb    (Medical Dictionary)

ra·tio·nal·izedalso British ; ra·tio·nal·ised; ra·tio·nal·iz·ingalso British ; ra·tio·nal·is·ing

Medical Definition of RATIONALIZE

transitive verb

: to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable; especially : to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives <he tried to rationalize his cruel behavior>

intransitive verb

: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct

—ra·tio·nal·iz·er also British ra·tio·nal·is·er \-ər\ (audio pronunciation) noun

Variants of RATIONALIZE

ra·tio·nal·ize also British ra·tio·nal·ise \ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, -ən-^əl-ˌīz\ (audio pronunciation)