rationalize
Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word rationalize. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word rationalize, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say rationalize in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word rationalize you have here. The definition of the word rationalize will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofrationalize, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
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 a discreditable act, or irrational behaviour.
- 1987, “Exhuming McCarthy”, in Document (R.E.M. No. 5), performed by R.E.M.:
- Vested interest, united ties, / landed gentry, rationalize. / Look who bought the myth. / By jingo, buy America.
- (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
|
to justify negative behaviour
|
math: to remove radicals
|
to structure along systematic lines
|
References
Anagrams
French
Pronunciation
Verb
rationalize
- inflection of rationaliser: