rationalize etymology

Etymology

Rationalize derives from the Latin word "rationalis," meaning "of or pertaining to reason."

Meaning

Rationalize means:

• To explain or justify something using reason or logic.
• To make something appear logical or reasonable, even if it is not.
• To reduce something to simpler terms or principles.

Origin

The term "rationalize" emerged in the 16th century, derived from the Latin concept of "ratio," meaning "reason." It initially referred to the process of making something conform to reason or logic.

Over time, its meaning expanded to include the concept of justifying or explaining actions or ideas based on reason, even if those actions or ideas may not be entirely logical or reasonable. The use of the term in psychology to describe a defense mechanism whereby individuals justify irrational behavior or thoughts also originated during the 20th century.

Examples

• "The politician rationalized his decision by providing a detailed report outlining the benefits of the policy."
• "The student rationalized her poor exam score by blaming a difficult professor."
• "The scientist rationalized the complex data by dividing it into smaller, manageable components."

rationalize relate terms

• rational

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

• ratio

  Etymology Ratio is derived from the Latin word ratio which means Account Reckoning

• ration

  Etymology The word ration comes from the Latin term ratio which means a fixed propo

• reason

  Etymology The word reason derives from the Old French word raison which in turn ori

• rationalise

  Etymology From Middle French rationaliser from Late Latin rationalis rational from

• rationalize

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

• rationalization

  Etymology rationalize v 1690s to reduce to reason from rational adj ize

• prune

  Etymology The word prune comes from Middle English prune which in turn derives from

• eliminate

  Word Etymology Meaning Origin Abate Middle English from O

• mitigate

  Etymology The word mitigate comes from the Latin word mitigare which means to make

• change

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It traces words

• modify

  1 Etymology a Definition The study of the history of words including their origins f

• think

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It involves tracing

• gloss

  Etymology From Middle English glose from Old French glose from Medieval Latin gl

• organize

  Etymology Definition The study of the origin and history of words Meaning Definition