합리화
The act of making something seem logical or consistent with reason, often used to describe justifying one's questionable behavior with plausible excuses.
Examples
3 of 5범죄자는 자신의 행동을 사회 탓으로 합리화한다.
Criminals rationalize their actions by blaming society.
지나친 소비를 필요에 의한 것으로 합리화하지 마세요.
Do not rationalize excessive spending as a necessity.
기업은 구조 조정을 경영 효율화로 합리화했다.
The company rationalized restructuring as management efficiency.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Hap (Join/Fit) + Ri (Reason) + Hwa (Change) = Making it fit the reason.
Quick Quiz
잘못을 인정하지 않고 ( )만 하는 태도는 좋지 않다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 합리화
Examples
범죄자는 자신의 행동을 사회 탓으로 합리화한다.
academicCriminals rationalize their actions by blaming society.
지나친 소비를 필요에 의한 것으로 합리화하지 마세요.
formalDo not rationalize excessive spending as a necessity.
기업은 구조 조정을 경영 효율화로 합리화했다.
businessThe company rationalized restructuring as management efficiency.
나는 다이어트 중에 초콜릿을 먹은 걸 합리화했어.
informalI rationalized eating chocolate while on a diet.
사람들은 종종 자신의 편견을 합리화하곤 한다.
everydayPeople often rationalize their biases.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
합리화를 꾀하다
to seek rationalization
합리화에 급급하다
to be busy rationalizing
합리화의 도구
a tool for rationalization
Often Confused With
이해 is understanding, while 합리화 is making an excuse to seem logical.
Usage Notes
Often used in IELTS essays about ethics, psychology, or consumer behavior.
Common Mistakes
In business, it can mean 'streamlining', but in general contexts, it often carries a negative nuance of making excuses.
Memory Tip
Hap (Join/Fit) + Ri (Reason) + Hwa (Change) = Making it fit the reason.
Word Origin
Sino-Korean: 'Hap' (to join), 'Ri' (reason), 'Hwa' (becoming).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
잘못을 인정하지 않고 ( )만 하는 태도는 좋지 않다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 합리화
Related Vocabulary
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B2Done or given by one's own free will without being forced or prompted. It refers to actions originating from internal motivation.
신중하다
B1To be careful, prudent, and cautious in one's words or actions to avoid mistakes.
인식
B2The act of perceiving or understanding something; awareness or consciousness of a particular issue or fact.
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