rationalization etymology

Etymology

• rationalize (v.)
  • 1690s, "to reduce to reason," from rational (adj.) + -ize (v. suffix).
  • The meaning "to furnish with a rational explanation" is from 1706.
  • The psychological sense of "to find an acceptable excuse for (one's actions)" is first attested 1889.

Meaning and Origin

The term rationalization has several interrelated meanings involving the use of reason or logic.

• In logic and philosophy, rationalization refers to the process of making something appear reasonable or logical, even if it is not. This can be done through the use of logical fallacies, biased evidence, or other means.
• In psychology, rationalization is a defense mechanism in which a person creates a rational explanation for their actions or beliefs, even if the explanation is not accurate or logical. This can be done in order to avoid feeling guilty or ashamed, or to protect one's self-esteem.
• In sociology, rationalization refers to the process by which society becomes more organized and complex, and the ways in which people interact become more rational and efficient. This can be seen in the development of bureaucracy, the rise of science and technology, and the increasing use of reason in decision-making.

The term rationalization was first used in the 17th century, and it has since been used in a variety of fields. It is an important concept in logic, philosophy, psychology, and sociology, and it helps us to understand how people think and behave.

rationalization relate terms

• rationalize

  Etymology Rationalize derives from the Latin word rationalis meaning of or pertaining

• rational

  Etymology From the Latin ratio reason the suffix nal relating to Meaning

• fairy

  Etymology The word fairy is derived from the Old French word faerie which in turn e

• explanation

  Etymology The word explanation is derived from the Latin word explanare which means

• defense

  Etymology The word defense comes from the Middle French word defense c 1230 whic

• organization

  Etymology Meaning and Origin of Organization Etymology The word organization is d

• scarlet

  Etymology Middle English scarlet from Old French escarlate from Late Latin scarlatum

• keen

  Etymology The word keen derives from the Old English word cēne meaning bold brave

• conception

  Etymology The word conception derives from the Latin conceptio which means taking t

• genre

  Etymology The word genre derives from the Old French word gengre which in turn come

• realm

  Etymology The word realm has its roots in several languages Old French Realme mea

• harmony

  Etymology Ancient Greek ἁρμονία harmonia from the verb ἁρμόζω harmo