rationalize
[ rash-uh-nl-ahyz, rash-nl-ahyz ]
/ ˈræʃ ə nlˌaɪz, ˈræʃ nlˌaɪz /
verb (used with object), ra·tion·al·ized, ra·tion·al·iz·ing.
verb (used without object), ra·tion·al·ized, ra·tion·al·iz·ing.
to invent plausible explanations for acts, opinions, etc., that are actually based on other causes: He tried to prove that he was not at fault, but he was obviously rationalizing.
to employ reason; think in a rational or rationalistic manner.
Nearby words
rationalise, rationalism, rationalist, rationality, rationalization, rationalize, rationally, rationing, rations, ratisbon, ratite
Also especially British, ra·tion·al·ise.
Related forms
Usage note
Although rationalize retains its principal 19th-century senses “to make conformable to reason” and “to treat in a rational manner,” 20th-century psychology has given it the now more common meaning “to ascribe (one's acts, opinions, etc.) to causes that seem reasonable but actually are unrelated to the true, possibly unconscious causes.” Although the possibility of ambiguity exists, the context will usually make clear which sense is intended.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for rationalize
British Dictionary definitions for rationalize
rationalize
rationalise
/ (ˈræʃənəˌlaɪz) /
verb
to justify (one's actions, esp discreditable actions, or beliefs) with plausible reasons, esp after the event
psychol to indulge, often unchallenged, in excuses for or explanations of (behaviour about which one feels uncomfortable or guilty)
to apply logic or reason to (something)
to eliminate unnecessary equipment, personnel, or processes from (a group of businesses, factory, etc), in order to make it more efficient
(tr) maths to eliminate one or more radicals without changing the value of (an expression) or the roots of (an equation)
Derived Formsrationalization or rationalisation, nounrationalizer or rationaliser, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for rationalize
rationalize
1767, "explain in a rational way, make conformable to reason," from rational + -ize. In the psychological sense of "to give an explanation that conceals true motives" it dates from 1922. Related: Rationalized; rationalizing.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for rationalize
rationalize
[ răsh′ə-nə-līz′ ]
v.
To make rational.
To devise self-satisfying but false or inconsistent reasons for one's behavior, especially as an unconscious defense mechanism through which irrational acts or feelings are made to appear rational to oneself.
Related formsra′tion•al•i•za′tion (-lĭ-zā′shən) n.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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