'rationalise' definitions:

Structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results; "We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits" [syn: rationalize, rationalise]

Defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning; "rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior"; "he rationalized his lack of success" [syn: apologize, apologise, excuse, justify, rationalize, rationalise]

Think rationally; employ logic or reason; "When one wonders why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize" [syn: rationalize, rationalise]

Remove irrational quantities from; "This function can be rationalized" [syn: rationalize, rationalise]

Weed out unwanted or unnecessary things; "We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet" [syn: cut, prune, rationalize, rationalise]