rationalize Definition
- 1to try to find reasons to explain your behaviour, decisions, etc., especially when they are bad or wrong
- 2to make a company, system, or way of working more effective by removing unnecessary costs, processes, or services
Using rationalize: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rationalize" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He tried to rationalize his cheating by saying that his partner was not giving him enough attention.
Example
The company is trying to rationalize its production process to reduce costs.
Example
She tried to rationalize her fear of flying by reading statistics about airplane safety.
rationalize Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with rationalize
to try to explain or justify something in order to make it seem less important or serious
Example
He tried to rationalize his mistake away by blaming it on his colleagues.
to try to convince yourself that something you have done is reasonable or acceptable, even though it may not be
Example
She rationalized her decision to quit her job by telling herself that she needed a break.
to eliminate something, such as a job or department, by making it seem unnecessary or redundant
Example
The company rationalized the marketing department out of existence, claiming that their functions could be performed by other departments.
Origins of rationalize
from French 'rationaliser', from Latin 'rationalis', meaning 'reasonable'
Summary: rationalize in Brief
To 'rationalize' [ˈræʃənəlaɪz] is to find reasons to explain one's behavior, decisions, or actions, especially when they are bad or wrong. It can also refer to making a company, system, or way of working more effective by removing unnecessary costs, processes, or services. Examples include 'He tried to rationalize his cheating by saying that his partner was not giving him enough attention,' and 'The company is trying to rationalize its production process to reduce costs.' Phrases include 'rationalize something away,' 'rationalize something to yourself,' and 'rationalize something out of existence.'
