Justifiable Meaning
/dʒˈʌstəˌfaɪəbəl/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjThat can be justified.
adjDescribing an illegal and intentional act that is nevertheless not blameworthy, for example because its positive consequences outweighed the bad. Distinguished from excusable, describing an involuntary illegal act.
Sentence Examples
It was a case of clearly justifiable self-defense.
Did Raskolnikov commit a justifiable homicide?
Different jurisdictions often have distinct definitions of justifiable homicide.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
Because he had lied to her many times, her anger was entirely ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The use of force was considered ____ because the officers were acting in self-defense at the time.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French justifiable. By surface analysis, justify + -able.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"It was at all times clear that, from the point of view of the idea it conveys to us, every motion must be considered only as a relative motion. Returning to the illustration we have frequently used of the embankment and the railway carriage, we can express the fact of the motion here taking place in the following two forms, both of which are equally justifiable:
(a) The carriage is in motion relative to the embankment,
(b) The embankment is in motion relative to the carriage.
In (a) the embankment, in (b) the carriage, serves as the body of reference in our statement of the motion taking place. —"
— 1917, Albert Einstein, Relativity: The Special and General Theory, Part II.:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Because he had lied to her many times, her anger was entirely ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The use of force was considered ____ because the officers were acting in self-defense at the time.