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Rationalizing, also spelled rationalising, can be defined as the process of explaining or justifying a decision, action, or belief based on logical reasoning or sound argumentation, often to make it appear more reasonable or acceptable. It involves finding logical explanations, often after the fact, to make one's thoughts or behaviors appear rational or sensible, even if they may not be entirely so.
This psychological defense mechanism is commonly observed in individuals when they encounter conflicting thoughts or emotions, leading them to create explanations or justifications that are more acceptable to their rational mind. Rationalizing can involve downplaying negative aspects, highlighting positive aspects, or distorting the facts to make a situation more palatable.
In a broader context, rationalizing can also refer to the process of streamlining, optimizing, or making more efficient systems, processes, or procedures. It involves analyzing and reorganizing existing practices to align them more closely with logical reasoning or economic principles, often with the goal of reducing costs, improving productivity, or enhancing overall effectiveness.
Furthermore, rationalizing can also describe the mathematical process of rewriting an expression, equation, or mathematical statement in a form that is simpler, more concise, or easier to work with, while maintaining the same meaning or mathematical properties.
In summary, whether referring to psychological justifications, streamlining processes, or simplifying mathematical expressions, rationalizing involves the act of making decisions, actions, beliefs, systems, or mathematical statements more reasonable, acceptable, or logical through various forms of justification, explanation, or optimization.
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Professing or affecting rationalism.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word rationalising originates from the verb rationalize. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin word rationalis, which means rational or reasonable, and the suffix -ize, borrowed from the Greek suffix -izein, which indicates the act or process of. The term first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century, derived from the French rationaliser.
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