ra·tion·al·ize [ ráshən'l z, ráshnə lz ](past and past participlera·tion·al·ized, present participlera·tion·al·iz·ing, 3rd person present singularra·tion·al·iz·es)
verb
Definition:
1. transitive and intransitive verb offer reasonable explanation for something: to attempt to justify behavior normally considered irrational or unacceptable by offering an apparently reasonable explanation
2. transitive verb make something rational: to make something rational, logical, or consistent
3. transitive verb interpret something rationally: to interpret something from a rational or logical perspective
4. transitive verb mathematics eliminate irrational numbers from something: to eliminate irrational numbers from an expression or an equation
5. transitive and intransitive verb U.K. make something more efficient and profitable: to make a business or operation more efficient and profitable, e.g. by reducing the work force
