Rationalizes

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To create logical justifications that clarify choices made To modify perceptions by offering reasonable explanations for actions To present rational arguments that defend decisions or beliefs in a clearer manner
2. Explains actions or decisions using logical or plausible reasons to make them seem reasonable
3. Offers explanations that make behaviors or choices appear justified and sensible

Etymology: "Rationalizes" is the third-person singular present form of "rationalize," so it is the verb itself, conjugated for "he," "she," or "it." The verb comes from French "rationaliser," which in turn is built on the Latin "ratio," meaning reason or calculation, plus the Greek-derived suffix "-ize," which turns a noun or adjective into a verb meaning "to make into, or treat as." The original sense was therefore closer to "to make rational" or "to bring into line with reason." The meaning has drifted in a telling direction. Where the base word "rational" describes genuinely sound thinking, "rationalize" in English came to describe something more suspect: offering reasons after the fact to justify a choice that was really made for other, often emotional, motives. A person who rationalizes a bad purchase is not reasoning toward the decision but defending it once it has been made, so the verb carries a faint hint of self-deception.

Synonyms: justifies, explain, defends, reasons, sanctifies

Antonyms: irrationalizes, confuses, obscures, misrepresents, discredits