This site uses cookies. Some of these cookies are essential to the operation of the site, while others help to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used. For more information, please see the ProZ.com privacy policy.
Cookie settings
  1. KudoZ™ Top
  2. English to Spanish
  3. Philosophy

rationalize

Spanish translation: justificar

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
English term or phrase:rationalize
Spanish translation:justificar
Entered by: Maria Ramon

01:03 Jul 30, 2008
English to Spanish translations [PRO]
Social Sciences - Philosophy / ethics
English term or phrase: rationalize
I don't think "racionalizar" is an appropriate translation. The sentence I need to translate is:

"These scientists rationalized their unethical research for self-interest."

RAE defines "racionalizar" as:

1. tr. Reducir a normas o conceptos racionales.
2. tr. Organizar la producción o el trabajo de manera que aumente los rendimientos o reduzca los costos con el mínimo esfuerzo.
3. tr. Mat. Operar para eliminar los radicales del denominador de una fracción.

( http://buscon.rae.es/draeI/SrvltConsulta?TIPO_BUS=3&LEMA=rac... )

Merriam-Webster defines "rationalize" as:

transitive verb
1: to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable: as a: to substitute a natural for a supernatural explanation of b: to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives ; broadly : to create an excuse or more attractive explanation for

( http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalize )

Can anyone suggest a word or phrase in Spanish that would convey the English sense of taking something which false and presenting it as true within this context?

Thanks in advance.
rantoniomg (X)
Canada
Local time: 21:28
justificar
Explanation:
is another way of "rationalizing"
Selected response from:

Maria Ramon
United States
Local time: 20:28
Grading comment
Brilliant! Thanks a lot.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4justificar
Maria Ramon
4dar razones/argumentos/excusas
_POIMANDRES_


  

Answers


5 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
justificar


Explanation:
is another way of "rationalizing"

Maria Ramon
United States
Local time: 20:28
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in DutchDutch
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
Brilliant! Thanks a lot.
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
dar razones/argumentos/excusas


Explanation:
.-)

_POIMANDRES_
Argentina
Local time: 22:28
Native speaker of: Native in SpanishSpanish
PRO pts in category: 4
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

Return to KudoZ list

KudoZ™ translation help

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

See also:
ProZ.com term search
Search millions of term translations
Close search
Term search
  • All of ProZ.com
  • Term search
  • Jobs
  • Forums
  • Multiple search