Word
justifiably
Phoneticsjus·ti·fi·ably
US/ˈdʒəstəˌfaɪəbɫi/
UK/dʒˈʌstɪfˌaɪəbli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is fair, right, or based on good reasons. You use this when someone does something because they have a good excuse or a strong reason.
adv. in a manner that is morally, legally, or logically sound; based on valid reasons. Often modifies verbs of action or adjectives describing a state of being.
Examples
“The manager justifiably fired the employee for breaking the rules.”
“The residents justifiably complained about the noise because the construction work started before the agreed time.”
“The defense attorney argued that the suspect justifiably feared for his life, though the prosecution maintained that the level of force used was excessive.”
Examples
simple
“The manager justifiably fired the employee for breaking the rules.”
contextual
“The residents justifiably complained about the noise because the construction work started before the agreed time.”
complex
“The defense attorney argued that the suspect justifiably feared for his life, though the prosecution maintained that the level of force used was excessive.”
Real-World Examples
“It would be nice if everything here was as good as those two songs, if you could justifiably claim Second Song as an autumn-years masterpiece along the lines of Dylan’s Rough and Rowdy Ways.” “Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall did not return after the half-time interval, although they might justifiably point out others could have accompanied them.” Etymology
From justifiable + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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