justify

[ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ]

justify Definition

  • 1to show or prove that something is right, reasonable, or justifiable
  • 2to align text to the left or right margin, leaving a straight edge on one or both sides of the page

Using justify: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "justify" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The lawyer tried to justify his client's actions.

  • Example

    Can you justify your decision to quit your job?

  • Example

    The text is justified to the left margin.

  • Example

    She justified the text to create a clean edge on both sides of the page.

justify Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for justify

Antonyms for justify

Phrases with justify

  • self-justification

    the act of defending or explaining one's own actions or decisions

    Example

    His self-justification for cheating on the exam did not convince the teacher.

  • to explain or defend one's actions or decisions

    Example

    He tried to justify himself by saying that he had no other choice.

  • to do whatever is necessary to achieve a goal, regardless of the methods used

    Example

    He believed that the end goal was worth any means necessary to justify it.

Origins of justify

from Old French 'justifier', from Latin 'justificare', from 'justus' meaning 'just' and 'facere' meaning 'to make'

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Summary: justify in Brief

The verb 'justify' [ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ] means to demonstrate the rightness or reasonableness of something. It can also refer to aligning text to the left or right margin. Examples include 'The lawyer tried to justify his client's actions' and 'The text is justified to the left margin.' Phrases include 'self-justification,' 'justify oneself,' and 'justify the means.'

How do native speakers use this expression?