Rationalize Meaning
/ˈɹæʃənəlaɪz/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo make something rational or more rational.
verbTo justify a discreditable act, or irrational behaviour.
Sentence Examples
He tried to rationalize his foolish actions.
Sociopaths rationalize the pain they inflict on others.
CEFR Practice Quiz
She tried to ____ her expensive purchase by saying it was a necessary investment.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She tried to ____ her fear of flying by reminding herself that it was statistically very safe.
Word Origin & History
From French rationaliser. By surface analysis, rational + -ize.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Vested interest, united ties, / landed gentry, rationalize. / Look who bought the myth. / By jingo, buy America."
— 1987, “Exhuming McCarthy”, in Document (R.E.M. No. 5), performed by R.E.M.:
"At our October meeting, Membership Director George Kaufer suggested rationalizing schedules on the Morris & Essex and Montclair-Boonton trains. He had prepared peak-hour schedules with a focus on ensuring that trains to Hoboken alternate more equally with those to New York, rather than having a number of trains to one destination together before a train to the other city."
— 2024 11, Sally Jane Gellert, “Report from the Chair”, in Lackawanna Coalition Railgram:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
She tried to ____ her expensive purchase by saying it was a necessary investment.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She tried to ____ her fear of flying by reminding herself that it was statistically very safe.