only 1 use
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Definition
to think of a good excuse for behavior that seems bad or unreasonable, and to believe the excuse is good or reasonable — typically done subconsciously and often after the behavior in question
- My uncle says the architects got rid of the front porches because they didn't look well. But my uncle says that was merely rationalizing it; the real reason, hidden underneath, might be they didn't want people sitting like that, doing nothing, rocking, talking; that was the wrong kind of social life.p. 60.7
rationalizing = using reason to make excuses for bad behavior
There are no more uses of "rationalize" in Fahrenheit 451.
Typical Usage
(best examples)