rationalize
verb (UK usually rationalise) uk/ˈræʃ.ən.əl.aɪz/ us/ˈræʃ.ən.əl.aɪz/
(EXPLAIN)
[ T ]合理地解释（行为、决定等），为…找出合理的理由;就…辩解
to try to find reasons to explain your behaviour, decisions, etc.
She rationalized the cost by saying that an expensive carpet would last longer than a cheaper one. 她解释说那些花费是合理的，理由是她买的地毯虽然很贵，但要比便宜货耐用。
(CHANGE)
[ I or T ]（对…）进行合理化改革；使合理化
to make a company, way of working, etc. more effective, usually by combining or stopping particular activities, or (of a company, way of working, etc.) to become more effective in this way
We rationalized the production system so that one operator could control all three machines. 我们对生产系统进行了优化组合，这样一来，一个人可以操控三台机器。
The recession is forcing the company to rationalize. 经济衰退促使公司进行合理化改革。