Verb: rationalize 'ra-shu-nu,lIz
- Think rationally; employ logic or reason
"When one wonders why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize";
- rationalise [Brit]
- Defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
"he rationalized his lack of success"; "rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behaviour";
- excuse, rationalise [Brit]
- Structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results
"We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits";
- rationalise [Brit]
- (mathematics) remove irrational quantities from
"This function can be rationalized";
- rationalise [Brit]
- Remove unnecessary or unwanted parts to improve efficiency or effectiveness
"The company rationalized its production process";
- cut, prune, rationalise [Brit]
Derived forms: rationalizing, rationalizes, rationalized
Type of: alter, cerebrate, change, cogitate, defend, do away with, eliminate, extinguish, get rid of, modify, organise [Brit], organize, support, think
Encyclopedia: Rationalize