"Rationalize" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
To make a statement or a situation more believable or acceptable by showing that it is reasonable or justifiable, often by omitting or downplaying facts that might be against it.
Example: "The politician tried to rationalize the high price of the extravagantly expensive mansion by saying it was a necessary investment."
To rationalize: to make something more reasonable or satisfactory, especially by considering all aspects of a situation; to eliminate what is irrational or extreme in an argument or opinion.<br><br>For example: The mayor's proposal was initially unpopular, but after a series of public debates, she took on board the concerns and began to rationalize her plan, making it more acceptable to the community.<br><br>In mathematics, rationalizing can also refer to the process of eliminating a square root in a fraction, making it easier to work with.
Rationalism is an epistemological position that emphasizes the use of reason to acquire knowledge and justify belief. It suggests that knowledge can be acquired through pure reason alone, independent of sensory experience or empirical evidence. Rationalists argue that certain knowledge can be gained through human reason and innate ideas, even if the external world is not available to our senses.<br><br>Key features of rationalism include:<br><br> The use of reason as the primary means of acquiring knowledge<br> The idea that knowledge can be independent of sensory experience<br> An emphasis on innate ideas or a priori knowledge (knowledge that is known independent of experience)<br> A focus on abstract concepts and principles, such as mathematics and morality<br><br>For example, the philosopher René Descartes is considered a rationalist because he argued that certain knowledge can be gained through reason and innate ideas, such as his famous statement "I think, therefore I am" (Cogito, ergo sum).
Characterized by a rational point of view or way of thinking. Emphasizing the use of reason and logic.
Those who believe in the use of reason as the primary source of knowledge, and who rely on logic and evidence-based reasoning to understand the world. Rationalists often reject empirical evidence gathered through sensory experience, placing a higher value on abstract reasoning, innate ideas, and intuitive knowledge.
Rationalizations are excuses or justifications that people make to themselves or others to downplay or deny the harm or consequences of their behavior. They are often used to repress guilt, anxiety, or shame, and can take the form of self-deception or deception of others.<br><br>Rationalizations can be conscious or unconscious, and they can be used to explain away behavior that is deemed unacceptable, such as cheating, lying, or irresponsible behavior. They can also be used to defend one's actions or decisions, even if they are based on incomplete or inaccurate information.<br><br>Examples of rationalizations include:<br><br> "I'm just borrowing, I'll pay it back eventually."<br> "It's just one night, it won't hurt anyone."<br> "Everyone does it, so it's okay."<br> "I was under pressure, I needed to do what I did."<br> "I'm just this way, what can I do?"<br><br>Rationalizations can be detrimental because they can prevent individuals from taking responsibility for their actions and can lead to further, more serious consequences. What's more, they can also make it difficult for individuals to take responsibility for their own feelings, needs, and desires.
To rationalize something means to bring it into a state of reason or intelligence; to make something seem logical or sensible. It can also be used to make something less emotional or irrational, and more grounded in reality.<br><br>In technical contexts, rationalizing refers to the process of eliminating imaginary or Plug-and-chug numbers in a mathematical expression by multiplying the numerator and denominator by a value that gets rid of the imaginary parts, making the expression more comprehensible and easier to work with.<br><br>In everyday language, rationalizing often means making excuses, justifying, or providing a seemingly reasonable explanation for a behavior or decision that may not be entirely justifiable.