rationalize
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English
Alternative forms
- rationalise (non-Oxford British English)
Etymology
From French rationaliser. By surface analysis, rational + -ize.
Verb
rationalize (third-person singular simple present rationalizes, present participle rationalizing, simple past and past participle rationalized) (American spelling, Oxford British English)
- To make something rational or more rational.
- To justify an immoral act, or illogical behaviour. “The process of thought by which one justifies a discreditable act, and by which one offers to oneself and the world a better motive for one's action than the true motive”
- (mathematics) To remove radicals, without changing the value of an expression or the roots of an equation.
- To structure something along modern, efficient and systematic lines, or according to scientific principles. This often includes eliminating duplication and grouping like or similar items.
Hyponyms
- euhemerize (myth & popular beliefs)
Derived terms
Translations
to make something rational
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to justify negative behaviour
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math: to remove radicals
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to structure along systematic lines
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References
- ^ Funk, Wilfred, Lewis, Norman (1942 September) “4 - Words for Mature Minds”, in 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary, New York: Washington Square Press, published 1949, page 29.
Anagrams
French
Pronunciation
Verb
rationalize
- inflection of rationaliser: