Justify

Definition

Justify is a verb that means to show or prove something to be right or reasonable, to provide an explanation or excuse for an action, or to align text evenly along a margin.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdʒʌs.təˌfaɪ/
• Respelling: JUS-tuh-fy

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdʒʌs.tɪ.faɪ/
• Respelling: JUS-ti-fy

Etymology

The word "justify" originates from the Latin "justificare," meaning "to make right or just," derived from "justus" (just) and "facere" (to make). It entered Middle English in the 14th century through Old French.

Derivatives

• Justification (noun)
• Justifiable (adjective)
• Unjustified (adjective)
• Justifier (noun)
• Rejustify (verb)

Synonyms

• Defend
• Explain
• Vindicate

Antonyms

• Condemn
• Blame
• Accuse

Usage

The term "justify" is commonly used in legal, moral, and technical contexts. For example, "He tried to justify his actions to the committee," or "The text was justified to align evenly along both margins."

Related Terms

• Justification: The action of showing something to be right or reasonable.
• Defense: The act of protecting or supporting a decision or action.
• Vindication: The act of clearing someone of blame or suspicion.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To show or prove something to be right or reasonable: Refers to providing support or reasoning for an action or belief.
  • Example: "She sought to justify her decision to take the risk."
• To provide an explanation or excuse: Describes offering reasoning to defend or excuse an action or outcome.
  • Example: "He couldn't justify his absence from the meeting."
• To align text evenly along both the left and right margins: Refers to formatting text in a document to create uniform alignment.
  • Example: "The editor asked to justify the paragraphs for a cleaner layout."