justify — to show or prove that something is right or reasonable
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to show or prove that something is right or reasonable
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdʒʌstɪˌfaɪ/
Example Sentences
- My mom tried to justify buying 20 pairs of shoes by saying 'They were on sale!'
- How can you justify spending three hours watching cat videos when you have homework?
- The company needs to justify its decision to close the local branch.
justify
VERB[/ˈdʒʌstɪˌfaɪ/]
to show or prove that something is right or reasonable
The manager tried to justify his decision after employees misunderstood his plan.
The lawyer justified his client's actions by presenting convincing evidence in court. (JUST + IF + YOU → "Just if you can explain.")
The CEO justified the company's decision, clarified the misunderstanding, and rectified the public's concerns.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French justifier, derived from Latin justificare, combining justus (just, right) and facere (to make or do). The word entered English in the 13th century through Norman French influence.
Breakdown
just- (from Latin justus meaning 'right, proper') + -ify (from Latin facere meaning 'to make') = justify (to make right or prove reasonable)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom tried to justify buying 20 pairs of shoes by saying 'They were on sale!'”
“How can you justify spending three hours watching cat videos when you have homework?”
“The company needs to justify its decision to close the local branch.”
“Good grades don't justify cheating on exams.”
“He justified eating ice cream for breakfast by calling it 'frozen yogurt with calcium'.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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