rationalization
After-the-fact reasoning
Rationalization is the mental process of constructing plausible but often false justifications for behavior or beliefs that might otherwise seem unreasonable.
When someone rationalizes, they're not lying outright but rather convincing themselves that questionable choices were actually sensible: He rationalized the expense as an investment in his career.
In business contexts, rationalization refers to reorganizing operations for greater efficiency, typically involving cuts to workforce or redundant systems.
Reason proving rightness
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
- alibiDefense of location
- pretextFabricated motive concealing truth
- explanationStatement making something clear
reasoning · grounds · vindication · apologia · legitimization · validation · spin · whitewash
Refusal to accept reality
- projectionSomething that extends outward
- repressionUnconscious blocking of thoughts
- self-deceptionConvincing yourself of falsehoods
- displacementRemoval from usual location
sublimation · compartmentalization · minimization · intellectualization · dissociation · avoidance · suppression · reaction-formation
Methodical study of parts
- logicScience of valid reasoning
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
- systematicFollowing ordered procedures
- methodicalOrganized and deliberate
calculation · deduction · inference · problem-solving · decision-making · cost-benefit · evaluation · assessment
Making more aerodynamic or efficient
- efficiencyProductive without waste
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- downsizingReducing workforce or scale
- consolidationCombining into unified whole
restructuring · cost-cutting · outsourcing · layoffs · reengineering · lean · automation · reorganization
Adjusting to a standard
- harmonizationCreating consistency across systems
- regularizationPenalty preventing model complexity
- uniformityState of being identical
- consistencyReliable adherence to standards
calibration · systematization · codification · formalization · regulation · conformity · homogenization · specification
justification
Reason proving rightness
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
- alibiDefense of location
- pretextFabricated motive concealing truth
explanation · reasoning · grounds · vindication · apologia · legitimization · validation · spin · whitewash · evasion
denial
Refusal to accept reality
- projectionSomething that extends outward
- repressionUnconscious blocking of thoughts
- self-deceptionConvincing yourself of falsehoods
displacement · sublimation · compartmentalization · minimization · intellectualization · dissociation · avoidance · suppression · reaction-formation · undoing
analysis
Methodical study of parts
- logicScience of valid reasoning
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
- systematicFollowing ordered procedures
methodical · calculation · deduction · inference · problem-solving · decision-making · cost-benefit · evaluation · assessment · modeling
streamlining
Making more aerodynamic or efficient
- efficiencyProductive without waste
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- downsizingReducing workforce or scale
consolidation · restructuring · cost-cutting · outsourcing · layoffs · reengineering · lean · automation · reorganization · centralization
normalization
Adjusting to a standard
- harmonizationCreating consistency across systems
- regularizationPenalty preventing model complexity
- uniformityState of being identical
consistency · calibration · systematization · codification · formalization · regulation · conformity · homogenization · specification · protocol
- mental processesthinking, think, reasoning, cognition, pondering
- Coping Strategiesavoidance, coping, stress management, denial, acceptance
- excusesexcuse, not my fault, overslept, alibi, excuses
- justificationsjustification, excuse, explanation, grounds, basis
- mind gamesmind game, head game, head games, mind games, intimidation
- algebravariables, equations, equation, polynomials, algebraic equations
rationalizationself-awareness
Insight into one's psyche
introspection · candor · self-reflection · self-scrutiny · brutal honesty