Dictionary
rationalize
verb ra·tio·nal·ize \ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz\
: to think about or describe something (such as bad behavior) in a way that explains it and makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc.
: to find ways to make (something, such as an industry, a company, etc.) waste less time, effort, and money
ra·tio·nal·izedra·tio·nal·iz·ing
Full 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
See rationalize defined for English-language learners
See rationalize defined for kids
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First Known Use of RATIONALIZE
1803
Related to RATIONALIZE
- Synonyms
- account (for), attribute, explain away, explain
RATIONALIZED Defined for Kids
rationalize
verb ra·tio·nal·ize \ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz\
ra·tio·nal·izedra·tio·nal·iz·ing
Definition of RATIONALIZE for Kids
: to find an excuse for something that seems reasonable or believable <He tried to rationalize his foolish purchase.>
Medical Dictionary
rationalize
verb ra·tio·nal·ize
ra·tio·nal·ized also British ra·tio·nal·isedra·tio·nal·iz·ing also 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\ noun
Variants of RATIONALIZE
ra·tio·nal·ize also British ra·tio·nal·ise \ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, -ən-əl-ˌīz\
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