rationalize meaning and definition

RATIONALIZE verb

Definition of rationalize (verb)

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: apologise, apologize, excuse, justify, rationalise
2. weed out unwanted or unnecessary things
   • "We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet"
   • synonyms: cut, prune, rationalise
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