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Wordabulary

rationalisation

Pronunciation
Noun B2 Upper-intermediate

Quick answer

The act of inventing a logical-sounding reason to explain a decision or behavior that was really driven by something else.

"His explanation for skipping the meeting sounded less like a reason and more like a rationalisation."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "His explanation for skipping the meeting sounded less like a reason and more like a _____."

Answer: rationalisation

In your own words, what does "rationalisation" mean?

The act of inventing a logical-sounding reason to explain a decision or behavior that was really driven by something else.

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