rationalize

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

verb (used with object)

, ra·tion·al·ized, ra·tion·al·iz·ing.

1. 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.
2. to remove unreasonable elements from.
3. to make rational or conformable to reason.
4. to treat or explain in a rational or rationalistic manner.
5. Mathematics. to eliminate radicals from (an equation or expression):

   to rationalize the denominator of a fraction.

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

verb (used without object)

, ra·tion·al·ized, ra·tion·al·iz·ing.

1. 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.

2. to employ reason; think in a rational or rationalistic manner.

rationalize

/ ˈræʃənəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to justify (one's actions, esp discreditable actions, or beliefs) with plausible reasons, esp after the event
2. psychol to indulge, often unchallenged, in excuses for or explanations of (behaviour about which one feels uncomfortable or guilty)
3. to apply logic or reason to (something)
4. to eliminate unnecessary equipment, personnel, or processes from (a group of businesses, factory, etc), in order to make it more efficient
5. tr maths to eliminate one or more radicals without changing the value of (an expression) or the roots of (an equation)

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.

Derived Forms

• ˌrationaliˈzation, noun
• ˈrationalˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• ra·tion·al·i·za·tion [rash-, uh, -nl-ahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n, rash-nl-] especially British, ra·tion·al·i·sa·tion noun
• ra·tion·al·iz·er especially British, ra·tion·al·is·er noun
• non·ra·tion·al·ized especially British, non·ra·tion·al·ised adjective
• o·ver·ra·tion·al·ize verb overrationalized overrationalizing
• sem·i·ra·tion·al·ized especially British, sem·i·ra·tion·al·ised adjective
• un·ra·tion·al·ized especially British, un·ra·tion·al·ised adjective
• un·ra·tion·al·iz·ing especially British, un·ra·tion·al·is·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rationalize¹

First recorded in 1810–20; rational + -ize

Example Sentences

But mention these character and cognitive flaws to his supporters and they rationalize that life was better when Trump occupied the White House than it has been under President Biden.

From Los Angeles Times

Spousal financial abuse is sometimes tricky to identify because it takes many forms and can often be rationalized by both the offending partner and the victim.

From Salon

They rationalized their support for him by saying they didn't believe Trump would actually carry out all those unseemly threats he makes about deporting millions of people or going after his political enemies.

From Salon

They “rationalize his rhetoric, by affording him a reverse benefit of the doubt. They doubt; he benefits.”

From Salon

Condit’s team rationalized the move by talking about the need to be in an international transportation hub offering “cultural diversity” and a reasonable cost of living, but Seattle met all those requirements.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• justify