Pronunciation: [ɹˈaʃənəlˌa͡ɪzə] (IPA) 
The word "rationaliser" is spelled with the letter "s" and not "z". This is because the word is derived from the British English spelling of "rationalize" which also uses "s". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈræʃənəlaɪzər/, with the stress on the second syllable. The word is commonly used in British English to refer to the act of making something seem reasonable or justifiable.
A rationaliser refers to an individual who engages in the act of rationalizing. Rationalizing, in psychological terms, is the mental process of justifying or explaining one's behavior, beliefs, or decisions logically, often to oneself or others, in order to reduce feelings of guilt, anxiety, or cognitive dissonance.
As a noun, a rationaliser is someone who attempts to make their actions or decisions seem reasonable or sensible, often by constructing plausible explanations that may not completely align with reality. This act of rationalizing can serve to defend or protect oneself from criticism or remorse, avoiding personal accountability for their choices or behaviors.
The behaviour of a rationaliser may involve distorting or downplaying the significance of negative consequences, emphasizing positive outcomes, or attributing external factors as the cause of their actions. For instance, a person may rationalize their excessive spending habits by convincing themselves that they deserve the indulgence or claiming that they are boosting the economy. Similarly, someone may rationalize an unethical act by arguing that it was for the greater good or that everyone else would have done the same.
While rationalizing can provide temporary relief from guilt or conflict, it can also perpetuate self-deception and hinder personal growth. The term "rationaliser" encapsulates the act, and sometimes the identity, of an individual who regularly employs this defense mechanism to maintain a positive self-image or avoid confronting uncomfortable truths.
The word "rationaliser" is derived from the French verb "rationaliser" which means "to rationalize". The term can be traced back to the Latin word "rationalis" meaning "rational" or "reasonable". The suffix "-er" added to the base form "rationalize" indicates the action of performing or engaging in the act of rationalizing. Overall, the etymology of "rationaliser" reflects its origins in both Latin and French languages, ultimately leading to its use in English.
