rationalizing (C1)
verb
Pronunciation: /ˈræʃ.ən.əl.aɪz/
Definition
Create a logical-sounding excuse or explanation for behavior or beliefs that are actually driven by irrational, emotional, or selfish motives.
Examples
It is common for people to rationalize their bad habits by claiming they are too busy to change.
She tried to rationalize her decision to quit by focusing only on the negative aspects of her former job.
Don't try to rationalize your lateness by blaming the traffic when you know you left the house too late.
How to Use rationalizing
- rationalize [something] as [something] (collocation)
- To explain something by framing it as something else. — "She rationalized her failure as a valuable learning experience."
- rationalize [something] away (phrasal verb)
- To dismiss or ignore a problem by making excuses for it. — "You cannot simply rationalize away the consequences of your actions."
Synonyms of rationalizing
Words with a similar meaning to rationalizing:
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