What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
justify
Example
She tried to justify her lateness by saying that there was heavy traffic. [justify: verb]
Example
The lawyer attempted to justify his client's actions in court. [justify: verb]
support
Example
The research supports the theory that exercise can improve mental health. [supports: verb]
Example
I will support you in your decision to pursue your dreams. [support: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Support is more commonly used than justify in everyday language. Support is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while justify is less common and is often used in academic or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between justify and support?
Justify is typically associated with a formal and academic tone, while support can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
