rationalize C2+ Topic:Describing People US /ˈɹæʃənəlaɪz/ See IPA manual Freq #34791 Meanings 1 verb remove irrational quantities from This function can be rationalized. 2 verb defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning Rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior. 3 verb structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits. 4 verb To justify a discreditable act, or irrational behaviour. Vested interest, united ties, / landed gentry, rationalize. / Look who bought the myth. / By jingo, buy America. Thesaurus Synonyms 2 verb · defend, explain, clear... excuse Word family Derived forms overrationalizerationalisationrationalizabilityrationalizablerationalizationrationalizerrerationalize Etymology From French rationaliser. By surface analysis, rational + -ize. Topics Describing People External links Cambridge Dictionary Wiktionary Google Images # rationalize **Type:** Word **Level:** C2+ **Part of speech:** verb **IPA (US):** /ˈɹæʃənəlaɪz/ **Frequency rank:** 34791 ## Meanings 1. remove irrational quantities from 2. defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning 3. structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results 4. To justify a discreditable act, or irrational behaviour. ## Examples - This function can be rationalized. - Rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior. - We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits. - Vested interest, united ties, / landed gentry, rationalize. / Look who bought the myth. / By jingo, buy America. ## Synonyms - excuse ## Derived Forms - overrationalize - rationalisation - rationalizability - rationalizable - rationalization - rationalizer - rerationalize ## Etymology From French rationaliser. By surface analysis, rational + -ize. ## Topics - Describing People markdown