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rationalize - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'rationalize' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Rationalize [ 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.
2 . Rationalize [ v. t.]
- To make rational; also, to convert to rationalism.
- To interpret in the manner of a rationalist.
- To form a rational conception of.
- To render rational; to free from radical signs or quantities.

Meaning of 'rationalize' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . rationalize [ v]
Meaning (1):
- defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
Example in sentence:
  • he rationalized his lack of success;
  • rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior
Meaning (2):
- remove irrational quantities from
Example in sentence:
  • This function can be rationalized
Meaning (3):
- weed out unwanted or unnecessary things
Example in sentence:
  • We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet
Meaning (4):
- structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results
Example in sentence:
  • We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits
Meaning (5):
- think rationally; employ logic or reason
Example in sentence:
  • When one wonders why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize

Nearby Words:

rat rat-tail rat-tailed rata ratability ratable ratafia ratan ratany rataplan

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