English to English
verb
- defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
Rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior.
He rationalized his lack of success.
source: WordNet 3.0
- weed out unwanted or unnecessary things
We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet.
source: WordNet 3.0
- structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results
We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits.
source: WordNet 3.0
- think rationally; employ logic or reason
When one wonders why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize.
source: WordNet 3.0
- remove irrational quantities from
This function can be rationalized.
source: WordNet 3.0
- To make rational; also, to convert to rationalism.
source: Webster 1913
- To use, and rely on, reason in forming a theory, belief, etc., especially in matters of religion: to accord with the principles of rationalism.
source: Webster 1913
