What does "rationalize" mean?

Rationalize: To interpret in the manner of a rationalist.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To form a rational conception of.
  2. 3.(Alg.) To render rational; to free from radical signs or quantities.
  3. 4.To use, and rely on, reason in forming a theory, belief, etc., especially in matters of religion: to accord with the principles of rationalism. Theodore . . . is just considered the chief rationalizing doctor of antiquity. J. H. Newman.

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