rationalize

[rash-uh-nl-ahyz, rash-nl-ahyz]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR rationalize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), ra·tion·al·ized, ra·tion·al·iz·ing.

to ascribe (one's acts, opinions, etc.) to causes that superficially seem reasonable and valid but that actually are unrelated to the true, possibly unconscious and often less creditable or agreeable causes.

to remove unreasonable elements from.

to make rational or conformable to reason.

to treat or explain in a rational or rationalistic manner.

Mathematics. to eliminate radicals from (an equation or expression): to rationalize the denominator of a fraction.

Chiefly British. to reorganize and integrate (an industry).

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.

Also especially British, ra·tion·al·ise.

Origin of rationalize

First recorded in 1810–20; rational + -ize

Related formsra·tion·al·i·za·tion, nounra·tion·al·iz·er, nounnon·ra·tion·al·i·za·tion, nounnon·ra·tion·al·ized, adjectiveo·ver·ra·tion·al·i·za·tion, nouno·ver·ra·tion·al·ize, verb, o·ver·ra·tion·al·ized, o·ver·ra·tion·al·iz·ing.sem·i·ra·tion·al·ized, adjectiveun·ra·tion·al·ized, adjectiveun·ra·tion·al·iz·ing, adjective

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

Because as an actor, you have to rationalize his decisions constantly.
Michael C. Hall on Going Drag for ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ and Exorcising ‘Dexter’|Marlow Stern|December 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Let us not rationalize or attempt to justify an expulsion that in our hearts we know is wrong.
Why I Joined 775 Rabbinic Colleagues in Opposing the Dispossession of Bedouin Israelis|Rabbi Gilah Langner|November 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Rather than rationalize the tax code, or reform entitlements, the government has taken a cleaver to discretionary spending.
A Debt Deal Won’t Save Us|Daniel Gross|October 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
They rationalize away the facts, defend their position, and actually become more fervent.
Sorry, Evangelicals, Syria Will Not Spur the Second Coming|Candida Moss|September 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Asked by his interviewer, Chemi Shalev, about anti-Muslim discimination, Foxman sought to rationalize it.
Abe Foxman Rationalizes Blanket Spying On American Muslims|Ali Gharib|April 29, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Its only mission is to justify- 60 - and rationalize as far as possible the iniquitous and absurd.
God and the State|Mikhail Aleksandrovich Bakunin
He gave it up finally; how could any Earthman rationalize the outlandish compulsions that actuated so alien a race?
The Anglers of Arz|Roger Phillips Dee
In spite of reason we are compelled to think with life, and in spite of life we are compelled to rationalize thought.
Tragic Sense Of Life|Miguel de Unamuno
And in categories of formal logic he sought to rationalize every matter apprehended by his mind.
The Mediaeval Mind (Volume II of II)|Henry Osborn Taylor
Sitting in his living room, Raul tried to rationalize his own actions.
When the Owl Cries|Paul Bartlett

British Dictionary definitions for rationalize

rationalize

rationalise

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

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.

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.

rationalize

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.

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Origin of rationalize

Usage note

Examples from the Web for rationalize

rationalize

rationalise

verb

rationalize

v.