rationalize
|ra-tion-al-ize|
🇺🇸
/ˈræʃənəˌlaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˈræʃənəlaɪz/
justify or streamline
Etymology
'rationalize' originates from the Latin word 'rationalis,' meaning 'reasonable.'
'rationalis' transformed into the French word 'rationaliser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'rationalize.'
Initially, it meant 'to make reasonable,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'justify' and 'streamline.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to attempt to explain or justify behavior or an attitude with logical reasons, even if these are not appropriate.
He tried to rationalize his decision to quit his job.
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Verb 2
to make a process or system more efficient, especially by dispensing with superfluous personnel or equipment.
The company decided to rationalize its operations to cut costs.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39