rationalize

Verb
Synonyms: apologizeapologiseexcusejustifyrationalisecutprune

WordNet 3.0

Verb (5)

  1. defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning“rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior”“he rationalized his lack of success”Synonyms: apologizeapologiseexcusejustifyrationalise
  2. weed out unwanted or unnecessary things“We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet”Synonyms: cutprunerationalise
  3. structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results“We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits”Synonyms: rationalise
  4. think rationally; employ logic or reason“When one wonders why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize”Synonyms: rationalise
  5. remove irrational quantities from“This function can be rationalized”Synonyms: rationalise
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Rationalize \Ra"tion*al*ize\ (r[a^]sh"[u^]n*al*[imac]z), v. t.

1.To make rational; also, to convert to rationalism. [1913 Webster]

2.To interpret in the manner of a rationalist. [1913 Webster]

3.To form a rational conception of. [1913 Webster]

4.(Alg.) To render rational; to free from radical signs or quantities. [1913 Webster]

Rationalize \Ra"tion*al*ize\, v. i. To use, and rely on, reason in forming a theory, belief, etc., especially in matters of religion: to accord with the principles of rationalism. [1913 Webster]

Theodore . . . is justly considered the chief rationalizing doctor of antiquity. --J. H. Newman. [1913 Webster]

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