Justification Meaning
/ˌd͡ʒʌstɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA reason, explanation, or excuse which someone believes provides convincing, morally acceptable support for behavior or for a belief or occurrence.
nounThe forgiveness of sin.
Sentence Examples
Their pseudo-scientific rhetoric serves as justification for America's imperialist foreign policy.
He was punished with justification.
I can see no possible justification for any further tax increases.
CEFR Practice Quiz
He gave no ____ for his rude behavior during the formal dinner.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
There is no ____ for his rude behavior, and he should apologize to everyone who was offended by it.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English justificacioun, justification, from Middle French justification, from Late Latin iustificationem, justificationem < iustificatio, from iustifico, from Latin iustus.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The growing use of social media to spread anger and dissent in the Arab world has been hailed by western governments as one of the chief justifications for a completely unfettered internet. The US is reportedly funding the secret rollout of technology in Iran in an effort to undermine internet censors in the country."
— 2012 April 19, Josh Halliday, “Free speech haven or lawless cesspool – can the internet be civilised?”, in The Guardian, archived from the original on 08 May 2025:
"[…] to articulate a common understanding of our justification by God’s grace through faith in Christ."
— 1999, Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, (Please provide the book title or journal name):
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
He gave no ____ for his rude behavior during the formal dinner.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
There is no ____ for his rude behavior, and he should apologize to everyone who was offended by it.