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rationalize
6 dictionary results for: rationalization
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

ra⋅tion⋅al⋅ize

[rash-uh-nl-ahyz, rash-nl-ahyz]
verb, -ized, -iz⋅ing.
–verb (used with object)
1. to ascribe (one's acts, opinions, etc.) to causes that superficially seem reasonable and valid but that actually are unrelated to the true, possibly unconscious and often less creditable or agreeable causes.
2. to remove unreasonable elements from.
3. to make rational or conformable to reason.
4. to treat or explain in a rational or rationalistic manner.
5. Mathematics. to eliminate radicals from (an equation or expression): to rationalize the denominator of a fraction.
6. Chiefly British. to reorganize and integrate (an industry).
–verb (used without object)
7. to invent plausible explanations for acts, opinions, etc., that are actually based on other causes: He tried to prove that he was not at fault, but he was obviously rationalizing.
8. to employ reason; think in a rational or rationalistic manner.
Also, especially British, ra⋅tion⋅al⋅ise.


Origin:
1810–20; rational + -ize
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
ra·tion·al·i·za·tion     (rāsh'ə-nə-lĭ-zā'shən)  Pronunciation Key 
n.  
  1. The act, process, or practice of rationalizing.
  2. An instance of rationalizing.
WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
rationalization

noun
1. the cognitive process of making something seem consistent with or based on reason 
2. (psychiatry) a defense mechanism by which your true motivation is concealed by explaining your actions and feelings in a way that is not threatening 
3. (mathematics) the simplification of an expression or equation by eliminating radicals without changing the value of the expression or the roots of the equation 
4. the organization of a business according to scientific principles of management in order to increase efficiency 
5. systematic organization; the act of organizing something according to a system or a rationale [syn: systematization

Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry: ra·tio·nal·iza·tion
Variant: also British ra·tio·nal·isa·tion /"rash-n&-l&-'zA-sh&n,-&n-&l-&-/
Function: noun
: the act, process, or result of rationalizing; especially : the provision of plausible reasons to explainto oneself or others behavior for which one's real motives are different and unknown or unconscious

Investopedia - Cite This Source - Share This

Rationalization

A reorganization of a company in order to increase its efficiency. This reorganization may lead to an expansion or reduction in company size, a change of policy, or an alteration of strategy pertaining to particular products.

Investopedia Commentary

Similar to a reorganization, a rationalization is more widespread, encompassing strategy as well as structural changes.

See also: Horizontal Integration, Reorganization, Restructuring, Vertical Integration

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Rationalization

Ra`tion*al*i*za"tion\, n. The act or process of rationalizing.

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