English

Alternative forms

• rationalise (UK et al)

Verb

rationalize ‎(third-person singular simple present rationalizes, present participle rationalizing, simple past and past participle rationalized)

1. To make something rational or more rational.
2. 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”^[1]
3. (mathematics) To remove radicals, without changing the value of an expression or the roots of an equation.
4. 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.

Derived terms

• rationalization, rationalisation

Translations

References

1. ↑ Funk, Wilfred; Lewis, Norman (September 1942), “4 - Words for Mature Minds”, in 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary, New York: Washington Square Press, published 1949, pages 29.

Anagrams

• realization

French

Pronunciation

• Homophones: rationalisent, rationalises

Verb

rationalize

1. first-person singular present indicative of rationaliser
2. third-person singular present indicative of rationaliser
3. first-person singular present subjunctive of rationaliser
4. third-person singular present subjunctive of rationaliser
5. second-person singular imperative of rationaliser