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rationalisieren

to rationalise

verb ra-tsyo-na-li-ZEE-ren Rare
Mind & Emotions Mental States

Origin: from Latin ratio

Also means

to make more efficient

Usage Note

rationalisieren in the psychological sense means to find seemingly rational justifications for emotionally driven decisions or beliefs. In business it means streamlining processes. Context distinguishes the two.

Examples

"Sie rationalisierte ihr Verhalten, anstatt die wahren Motive anzuerkennen."

Natural Translation

She rationalised her behaviour instead of acknowledging the true motives.

Literal Translation

She rationalised her behaviour instead-of the true motives to-acknowledge.

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