justify

CEFRB2

/ˈd͡ʒʌstɪfaɪ/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To give a good reason that explains or defends an action.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    To arrange (text) on a page or a computer screen such that the left and right ends of all lines within paragraphs are aligned.

Examples

  • Can you justify the use of violence?

  • How can they justify paying such huge salaries?

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5
Synonyms
1

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To be a good reason behind a normally-unacceptable action; to warrant.

  2. To provide an acceptable explanation for.

  3. To absolve, and declare to be free of blame or sin.

More examples

In context

  • How can you justify your rude behavior?

  • How can you justify spending so much money on clothes?

  • Nothing can justify your rude behaviour last night.

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

How can you blank spending so much money on unnecessary items?

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

From Middle English justifien, from Old French justifier, from Late Latin justificare (“make just”), from Latin justus, iustus (“just”) + ficare (“make”), from facere, equivalent to just + -ify.