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

Origin of rationalize

First recorded in 1810–20; rational + -ize

usage note for rationalize

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.

OTHER WORDS FROM rationalize

Example sentences from the Web for rationalization

British Dictionary definitions for rationalization

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 forms of rationalize

rationalization or rationalisation, noun rationalizer or rationaliser, noun

Medical definitions for rationalization

rationalize
[ răshə-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.

Other words from rationalize

ra′tion•al•i•zation (-lĭ-zāshən) n.