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to rationalize
01
to create reasonable explanations for behaviors, decisions, or actions, especially when they may not truly represent the real motives
02
to streamline or reorganize an organization or similar structure in order to improve productivity or reduce costs
03
(in mathematics) to remove radicals from the denominator of a fraction
04
to organize, explain, or adjust something in a logical or reasoned manner
05
to make improvements aimed at increasing efficiency, coherence, and effectiveness of a system
Example
Smokers often rationalize their habit by focusing on short-term stress relief rather than acknowledging long-term health risks.
The employee attempted to rationalize his unethical actions by claiming that everyone in the industry engages in similar practices.
Faced with a late project submission, he attempted to rationalize it by blaming external factors beyond his control.
Rather than admitting a lack of motivation, he tried to rationalize his avoidance of exercise by pointing to a busy schedule.
After buying a luxury item, she tried to rationalize the expense by convincing herself it was a rare opportunity.
