rationalise

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

verb structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results
verb defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
verb think rationally; employ logic or reason

From French rationaliser. By surface analysis, rational + -ise.

The reader will perhaps wonder that in all my notes I have not rationalised a single hobgoblin. — Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry, Unknown
"A red nose is a painted nose," "A negro is a white man in disguise," are also absurd to the reason which rationalises; but they are gospel truths to pure imagination. — Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic, Henri Bergson
Not only was he alive to the literary interest of this material when rationalised to suit the taste of French readers; his is further the credit of having given to somewhat crude folk-lore that polish and elegance which is peculiarly French, and which is inseparably associated with the Arthurian legends in all modern literature. — Four Arthurian Romances, de Troyes, active 12th century Chrétien

rationalize

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