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ra·tion·al·ize
 rationalize
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- pronunciation:
- rae
sh
n
laIz
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb), Grammatical Patterns, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
rationalizes, rationalizing, rationalized |
| definition 1: |
to account for (one's behavior, events, or the like) with apparently reasonable, but self-serving, explanations.
She rationalized her shoplifting by telling herself that such a big company wouldn't be hurt by it.[verb + possessive adj + gerund
]
I rationalized keeping it a secret because I felt she would be too hurt if she knew the truth.[verb + gerund
]
- synonyms:
- excuse, justify
- similar words:
- account, defend, explain, gloss, intellectualize, palliate, vindicate
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| definition 2: |
to revise by removing inconsistencies and illogical content.
- similar words:
- clarify, correct, elucidate, explain, explicate, illuminate, methodize, rectify, systematize
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| definition 3: |
to provide an explanation for.
- synonyms:
- account, explain
- similar words:
- clarify, delineate, demonstrate, elucidate, explicate
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| related words: |
excuse, gloss, justify |
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| derivations: |
rationalization (n.), rationalizer (n.) |
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