Meaning & Definition of word "Justify"

Justify

/ˈdʒʌstəfaɪ/

1. To show or prove to be right or reasonable.
- Example: She had to justify her decision to leave the company.
2. To provide an explanation for something.
- Example: The politician tried to justify his actions during the scandal.
3. To defend or uphold a belief or principle.
- Example: He justified his stance on environmental issues with scientific evidence.
4. To make a case for something.
- Example: The lawyer was able to justify the defendant's actions based on self-defense.
5. In typography, to adjust the spacing of lines or letters to achieve a clean margin.
- Example: The document was justified so that all the text aligned neatly on both sides.

Middle English, from Latin 'justificare', from 'justus' (just) + 'facere' (to make).

justify oneself:

To provide a reason for one's actions.

justifying the means:

The principle that actions are justified if they lead to a good outcome.

justification:

A reason or explanation that defends an action or belief.

justifiable:

Able to be shown to be right or reasonable.

Meaning: To cover up or excuse bad behavior.

Example Sentence: He tried to justify being late with a long story.

Meaning: To give a lame reason for something obviously wrong.

Example Sentence: She was justifying her poor grade with excuses.