justify

[ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ]

justify Definition

• 1. to show or prove that something is right, reasonable, or justifiable
• 2. to 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

• defend
• support
• legitimize
• rationalize
• vindicate

Antonyms for justify

• condemn
• accuse
• blame

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.

• justify oneself

  to explain or defend one's actions or decisions

  Example

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

• justify the means

  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'

📌

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.'