How Do You Spell IRRATIONALISE?

1. The term "irrationalise" is a verb derived from the word "irrational" and refers to the act of attempting to justify or explain an irrational or unreasonable belief, behavior, or decision. When someone irrationalises, they seek to find logical or rational explanations for their own irrational thoughts, actions, or beliefs, disregarding or downplaying any evidence or reasoning that challenges or contradicts them.

   This term is often used in psychology and cognitive sciences to describe a cognitive bias or defense mechanism that individuals employ to protect their egos or maintain a sense of coherence in their belief systems. The process of irrationalising can manifest as distortions in perception, selective attention, or interpretation of information, as well as the denial of contradictory evidence.

   Irrationalisation can be observed in various contexts, such as in personal relationships, political discourse, or decision-making processes. It can be seen as a coping mechanism to alleviate cognitive dissonance, embrace conformity, or shield oneself from accepting uncomfortable truths. The act of irrationalising can hinder personal growth, impede problem-solving, or perpetuate cognitive biases.

   Understanding and recognizing irrationalisation is essential for critical thinking and self-awareness. By becoming aware of this tendency, individuals can strive to engage in more rational and objective thinking, evaluate evidence impartially, and challenge their own biases or preconceived notions.

The word "irrationalise" is derived from two components: "irrational" and the suffix "-ize" (also spelled "-ise" in British English).

The word "irrational" originated from the Latin word "irrationalis", which is a combination of "in-" (meaning "not") and "rationalis" (meaning "rational"). In English, it entered usage around the late 15th century, referring to something that is lacking reason or logic.

The suffix "-ize" comes from classical Greek "-izein", which is used to form verbs from nouns and adjectives. It made its way into English via Latin and French influences. It often indicates the act of making, causing, or performing a particular action.

Conjugate verb Irrationalise