Definitions
justify
Source: Wiktionary
To provide an acceptable explanation for.
rationalize
Source: Wiktionary
To justify an immoral act, or illogical behaviour.
Questions
Given the selected definitions of these verbs (I believe this is acceptable as Wiktionary, like AHD: rationalize 2a, lists them first among relevant senses/sub-senses), what is an example situation in which using one verb is more appropriate than using the other?
I find myself needing a verb like these two, then finding it overly difficult to determine which one is best.
Does "rationalize" have a more dramatic connotation?
Best Answer
When you rationalize your (bad or irrational) behavior, you basically invent an explanation for it to make it look not as bad.
When you justify your behavior, you give a valid reason why you did what you did.
For example, a shopper can rationalize needlessly purchasing an expensive car by saying it's an 'investment'.
By contrast, if a government purchases an expensive vehicle for an ambassador, it's justified. After all, an ambassador represents a country and can't move around in a junker.
Simply put, it's the difference between finding a self-satisfying excuse and giving a good reason.