definition of
rationalize

[1] #1 rationalize v. [apologize, apologise, excuse, justify, rationalise] defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning; "rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior"; "he rationalized his lack of success". wn

[2] #2 rationalize v. [cut, prune, rationalise] weed out unwanted or unnecessary things; "We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet". wn

[3] #3 rationalize v. [rationalise] structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results; "We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits". wn

[4] #4 rationalize v. [rationalise] think rationally; employ logic or reason; "When one wonders why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize". wn

[5] #5 rationalize v. [rationalise] remove irrational quantities from; "This function can be rationalized". wn