rationalize

(răshˈə-nə-līzˌ)

1. To make rational.
2. To interpret from a rational standpoint.
3. To devise self-satisfying but incorrect reasons for (one's behavior): “Many shoppers still rationalize luxury purchases as investments” (Janice Castro).
4. Mathematics To remove radicals, such as from a denominator, without changing the value of (an expression) or roots of (an equation).
5. Chiefly British To bring modern, efficient methods to (an industry, for example).

1. To think in a rational or rationalistic way.
2. To devise self-satisfying but incorrect reasons for one's behavior.

Related Forms:

• raˈtion·al·izˌer noun