Rationalize
/ˈræʃ.ə.nə.laɪz/noun
To attempt to explain or justify behavior or an action with logical reasons, often disregarding emotional factors.
Did you know?The word 'rationalize' comes from a concept of transforming something into reason, echoing ancient practices where logic was often seen as a divine gift.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
rationalis
“pertaining to reason, reasoning”
Late 14th Century
Old French
rationaliser
“to make rational or reasonable”
Early 19th Century
English
rationalize
“to bring into accordance with reason or logic”
Mid 20th Century
English
rationalization
“the process of attempting to explain actions or beliefs through logical reasoning”