v. t. | 1. | To make rational; also, to convert to rationalism. |
2. | To interpret in the manner of a rationalist. | |
3. | To form a rational conception of. | |
4. | (Alg.) To render rational; to free from radical signs or quantities. | |
v. i. | 1. | To use, and rely on, reason in forming a theory, belief, etc., especially in matters of religion: to accord with the principles of rationalism. |
Verb | 1. | rationalize - defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning; "rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior"; "he rationalized his lack of success" |
2. | rationalize - weed out unwanted or unnecessary things; "We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet" | |
3. | rationalize - structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results; "We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits" Synonyms: rationalise | |
4. | rationalize - think rationally; employ logic or reason; "When one wonders why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize" Synonyms: rationalise | |
5. | rationalize - remove irrational quantities from; "This function can be rationalized" Synonyms: rationalise |