verb
rationalize
RA-shuh-nuh-lyz
verb
1
To make something rational, logical, or more efficient — often by removing unnecessary parts.
"The company rationalized its product line, cutting a dozen weak sellers."
"They rationalized the tax code to remove overlapping rules."
2
To invent a reasonable-sounding excuse for behavior that was really driven by something less flattering.
"He rationalized skipping the gym by saying he needed the rest."
"She rationalized the lie by telling herself it was for his own good."
How to Use Rationalize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither making something more logical and streamlined, or making excuses to justify a decision you already made for other reasons.
Common mistake
Don't confuse rationalizing (making excuses) with reasoning (working something out logically) — rationalizing usually happens after the fact, to defend a choice.
Common pairings
rationalize a decision
rationalize the process
rationalize behavior
Word Forms
rationalized past tense, rationalizes singular
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Etymology
From French rationaliser, built from rational plus the verb-forming suffix -ize.