rationalization
|ra-tion-al-i-za-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌræʃənələˈzeɪʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌræʃənəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
(rationalize)
justify or streamline
Etymology
'rationalization' originates from the Latin word 'rationalis,' meaning 'reasonable' or 'logical.'
'rationalis' transformed into the French word 'rationalisation,' and eventually became the modern English word 'rationalization.'
Initially, it meant 'to make reasonable or logical,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'justifying actions or making processes efficient.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the action of attempting to explain or justify behavior or an attitude with logical reasons, even if these are not appropriate.
His rationalization for being late was that he missed the bus.
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Noun 2
the process of making a company, process, or industry more efficient, especially by dispensing with unnecessary personnel or equipment.
The rationalization of the company led to many layoffs.
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Last updated: 2025/04/16 18:20