rationalise

1 definition found

rationalise - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  rationalise
      v 1: structure and run according to rational or scientific
           principles in order to achieve desired results; "We
           rationalized the factory's production and raised profits"
           [syn: rationalize, rationalise]
      2: defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by
         reasoning; "rationalize the child's seemingly crazy
         behavior"; "he rationalized his lack of success" [syn:
         apologize, apologise, excuse, justify, rationalize,
         rationalise]
      3: think rationally; employ logic or reason; "When one wonders
         why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize"
         [syn: rationalize, rationalise]
      4: remove irrational quantities from; "This function can be
         rationalized" [syn: rationalize, rationalise]
      5: weed out unwanted or unnecessary things; "We had to lose
         weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet" [syn: cut,
         prune, rationalize, rationalise]