Rationalize Definition & Meaning
rationalize
- verb
- defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning; "rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior"; "he rationalized his lack of success"
- weed out unwanted or unnecessary things; "We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet"
- structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results; "We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits"
- think rationally; employ logic or reason; "When one wonders why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize"
- remove irrational quantities from; "This function can be rationalized"
Words that rhyme with rationalize
Usage tips for "rationalize"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "rationalize" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for rationalize to find words that pair well.