Rationaliser

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person or entity that clarifies decisions or beliefs by providing logical reasoning and justifications for actions or thoughts
2. An individual who makes concepts or behaviors appear more reasonable through explanations and logical support
3. A person who explains actions or beliefs clearly by using logical reasoning

Etymology: "Rationaliser" is simply "rationalise" with the agent suffix "-er" added, so it names the person who rationalises. The verb itself comes from "rational" and the suffix "-ise," which turns an adjective into a verb meaning to make something conform to reason. The core idea is making something seem sensible, even when it was not. The noun carries the verb's sense of explaining away. A rationaliser offers logical-sounding reasons for conduct or beliefs that might otherwise look unreasonable, which is why the word often carries a faint note of criticism. The person may be sincere, but the explanation arrives after the conclusion has already been reached.

Synonyms: justifier, explainer

Antonyms: irrationalist