Word
rationalize
Phoneticsra·tio·nal·ize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈɹæʃənəˌɫaɪz/
UK spelling · rationalise
Definition
v. to explain something in a logical way, or to make a situation seem reasonable even if it is not. In math, it means removing a square root or other radical from the bottom of a fraction.
v. to provide a logical explanation for a situation or to justify a belief or action. In a mathematical context, it refers to the process of removing a radical from the denominator of a fraction by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same radical.
Examples
“The company tried to rationalize the high prices by saying they were necessary for quality.”
“To rationalize the denominator of the fraction, you multiply both the top and bottom by the square root of two.”
“The government attempted to rationalize the sudden increase in fuel taxes by citing the need for infrastructure development and environmental protection.”
Examples
simple
“The company tried to rationalize the high prices by saying they were necessary for quality.”
contextual
“To rationalize the denominator of the fraction, you multiply both the top and bottom by the square root of two.”
complex
“The government attempted to rationalize the sudden increase in fuel taxes by citing the need for infrastructure development and environmental protection.”
Real-World Examples
“Investments in adult literacy programs are often rationalized through a simple argument: Spending money to help adults read results in greater economic contributions from them when they get a new or higher-paying job.” “I believe that a field that documents how political movements rationalize the misconduct of their own members should be the last to reproduce this pattern.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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