Single inverted commas

Although it is usual to enclose a word under discussion in single inverted commas, I have chosen instead to emphasise it in red to prevent confusion with apostrophes.
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Friday 30 August 2013

To rationalise

This verb is used of a psychological process whereby a person justifies with false reasoning an action which he or she wishes to take irrationally. In Jane Austen's Emma, the eponymous heroine wants to prevent Harriet Smith from marrying Robert Martin for selfish and meddling motives but rationalises her interference by telling herself that it is for Harriet's own good.
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