How to pronounce rationalization
Say it like rash-uh-nuh-ly-ZAY-shun. Rationalization has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the fifth one (ZAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rationalization. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rash
- uh
- nuh
- ly
- ZAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rationalization pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rashGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lyKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- ZAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of rationalization
American and British speakers say rationalization in essentially the same way: /ˌræʃənəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌræʃənəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: rash-uh-nuh-ly-ZAY-shun.
What does rationalization mean?
- A statement of one's motives, or of the causes of some event.“Her self-flagellating rationalization for the theft was mostly ignored by the jury.”
- The reorganization of a company or organization in order to improve its efficiency through the reallocation of resources and changes in its workforce.“It began with the familiar political motives of civil service rationalization and downsizing.”
- The concealment of true motivation in some non-threatening way.
Where does rationalization come from?
First attested in 1831.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with rationalization
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rationalization.
Questions about saying rationalization
How do you pronounce rationalization?
Say rash-uh-nuh-ly-ZAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌræʃənəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌræʃənəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rationalization?
Rationalization has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the fifth one (ZAY). Broken into parts: rash · uh · nuh · ly · ZAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say rationalization the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌræʃənəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌræʃənəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.