Pronunciation: ' rash-n ə - ˌ l ī z, ' ra-sh ə -n ə - ˌ l ī z
Function: verb
Inflected Form: -ized ; -iz · ing
Date: 1803
transitive verb
1 : to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable: as a : to substitute a natural for a supernatural explanation of < rationalize a myth> b : to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives < rationalized his dislike of his brother> broadly : to create an excuse or more attractive explanation for < rationalize the problem>
2 : to free (a mathematical expression) from irrational parts < rationalize a denominator>
3 : to apply the principles of scientific management to (as an industry or its operations) for a desired result (as increased efficiency)
intransitive verb : to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
– ra · tio · nal · iz · able \ ˌ rash-n ə - ' l ī -z ə -b ə l, ˌ ra-sh ə -n ə - ' l ī - \ adjective
– ra · tio · nal · i · za · tion \ ˌ rash-n ə -l ə - ' z ā -sh ə n, ˌ ra-sh ə -n ə -l ə - \ noun
– ra · tio · nal · iz · er \ ' rash-n ə - ˌ l ī -z ə r, ' ra-sh ə -n ə - ˌ l ī - \ noun