rationalize
To provide logical reasoning for a decision or action; to make something more efficient through logical organization
Examples
In a meeting
“We need to rationalize our vendor relationships to reduce complexity.”
Over coffee
“He tried to rationalize why he bought another expensive gadget.”
Why this word
justify
Rationalize implies self-deceptive reasoning to excuse behavior; justify is more neutral about providing reasons
explain
Explain is neutral; rationalize suggests creating dubious logical cover for questionable actions or beliefs
excuse
Excuse admits wrongdoing while asking forgiveness; rationalize attempts to reframe actions as actually reasonable
Usage tip
Has dual meaning: justifying with reasoning (sometimes questionable) or making more logical/efficient. Context determines which meaning applies.
Etymology
Latin: rationalis (ratio 'reason')
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Related words
diagnose
To identify the cause or nature of a problem through examination.
fundamental
Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance.
assumption
Something accepted as true without proof
extrapolate
Extend known information to predict unknown outcomes
distinguish
To recognize or identify the difference between things
unpack
To analyze and explain something complex in detail