'Rationalize' definitions:
Definition of 'rationalize'
(from WordNet)
verb
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]
verb
Weed out unwanted or unnecessary things; "We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet" [syn: cut, prune, rationalize, rationalise]
verb
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]
verb
Think rationally; employ logic or reason; "When one wonders why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize" [syn: rationalize, rationalise]
verb
Remove irrational quantities from; "This function can be rationalized" [syn: rationalize, rationalise]
Definition of 'Rationalize'
From: 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]
Definition of 'Rationalize'
From: GCIDE
- 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]
Synonyms of 'rationalize'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- account,
- account for,
- adjust,
- allegorize,
- analyze,
- apply reason,
- argue insincerely,
- arrange,
- calculate,
- cast,
- chart,
- clarify,
- clear,
- clear up,
- codify,
- concert,
- contrive,
- coordinate,
- crack,
- cry sour grapes,
- cut out,
- decipher,
- deduce,
- demonstrate,
- demythologize,
- design,
- destigmatize,
- devise,
- distort,
- do justice to,
- elucidate,
- enlighten,
- euhemerize,
- exculpate,
- excuse,
- exemplify,
- explain,
- explain away,
- explicate,
- exposit,
- expound,
- figure,
- fix,
- forecast,
- frame,
- generalize,
- give reason for,
- give the meaning,
- harmonize,
- hypothesize,
- illuminate,
- illustrate,
- infer,
- intellectualize,
- intend,
- justify,
- lay plans,
- logicalize,
- logicize,
- make a projection,
- make arrangements,
- make clear,
- make plain,
- methodize,
- misapply,
- normalize,
- organize,
- paralogize,
- pervert,
- philosophize,
- plan,
- plan ahead,
- popularize,
- prearrange,
- program,
- project,
- provide a rationale,
- purge,
- reason,
- reason ill,
- reason out,
- regularize,
- regulate,
- rehabilitate,
- reinstate,
- restore,
- routinize,
- schedule,
- schematize,
- set up,
- settle,
- shape,
- shed light upon,
- show,
- show how,
- show the way,
- simplify,
- solve,
- spell out,
- standardize,
- syllogize,
- synchronize,
- synthesize,
- systematize,
- theorize,
- think through,
- throw light upon,
- tune,
- tune up,
- unfold,
- unlock,
- unravel,
- use reason,
- vindicate,
- warrant,
- work out,
- work up