jus·ti·fy
Pronounced:
/ˈʤʌstəˌfaɪ/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
jus·ti·fies; jus·ti·fied; jus·ti·fy·ingMeaning:
[+ obj] 1 : to provide or be a good reason for (something) : to prove or show (something) to be just, right, or reasonable ▪ He tried to justify his behavior by saying that he was being pressured unfairly by his boss. ▪ The fact that we are at war does not justify treating innocent people as criminals. ▪ It's hard to justify the cost of a new car right now. = It's hard to justify spending money on a new car right now. —see also the end justifies the means at 1end
2 : to provide a good reason for the actions of (someone) ▪ Why should I have to justify myself [=to provide an explanation for my actions] when it was their fault?
3 technical : to position (text) so that the edges form a straight line
2 : to provide a good reason for the actions of (someone) ▪ Why should I have to justify myself [=to provide an explanation for my actions] when it was their fault?
3 technical : to position (text) so that the edges form a straight line
—jus·ti·fi·able /ˈʤʌstəˌfajəbəl/ adjective [more jus*ti*fi*able; most jus*ti*fi*able] ▪ They felt justifiable pride in their son. ▪ justifiable expenses
/ˈʤʌstəˌfajəbəl/ adjective [more jus*ti*fi*able; most jus*ti*fi*able] ▪ They felt justifiable pride in their son. ▪ justifiable expenses—jus·ti·fi·ably /ˈʤʌstəˌfajəbli/ adverb ▪ were justifiably proud
/ˈʤʌstəˌfajəbli/ adverb ▪ were justifiably proud—justified adjective not used before a noun [more justified; most justified] ▪ She was (perfectly/fully) justified in complaining to her boss. [=she had a good reason for complaining to her boss]