Word: Rationalise Away
Definition: The term "rationalise away" means to explain something in a logical way to make it seem less strange or to dismiss concerns or feelings by finding a reasonable explanation. Essentially, it’s about making something that seems unusual or confusing seem normal or acceptable.
Usage Instructions: - Use "rationalise away" when you want to describe the act of dismissing doubts or fears by coming up with logical reasons. - It is often used in situations where someone might feel anxious or worried, but they talk themselves out of those feelings by finding rational explanations.
Example: - "When Sarah heard strange noises at night, she tried to rationalise them away by telling herself it was just the wind or the house settling."
Advanced Usage: - In psychological contexts, "rationalising away" can refer to the defense mechanism where a person justifies their actions or feelings to avoid facing uncomfortable truths. - For example, someone might rationalise away their procrastination by saying they work better under pressure.
Word Variants: - The verb "rationalise" (or "rationalize" in American English) refers to the act of providing reasonable explanations for something. - The noun form is "rationalization," which is the process of rationalising.
Different Meanings: - In different contexts, "rationalise" can also mean to make something more efficient or logical in a business or organizational sense. For example, "The company needed to rationalise its operations to reduce costs."
Synonyms: - Justify - Explain away - Dismiss - Excuse
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There aren’t direct idioms that use "rationalise away," but you might find phrases like "make excuses" or "talk oneself out of" convey a similar idea. - A related phrasal verb is "talk away," which means to discuss something to minimize its importance or impact.
Summary: To "rationalise away" is to explain something strange or unsettling in a logical way so that it seems less threatening or concerning.