What does "justify" mean?

1. (to explain or defend) to give a good reason for something that people might think is wrong or unnecessary. 2. (to be a good reason for) to be a strong enough reason to make an action acceptable. 3. (to align text) to arrange text so that both the left and right sides of the paragraph are straight. 4. (to prove right in law) to show in court that someone had a legal reason for what they did. 5. (to declare free from sin) to declare that someone is free from guilt or sin.

How do you use "justify"?

Often used with a gerund (e.g., 'justify doing something') or a noun phrase. Usually used in the context of word processing or graphic design.

justify

US //ˈdʒəstəˌfaɪ// UK //dʒˈʌstɪfˌaɪ// jus·ti·fy

1 to explain or defend (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to give a good reason for something that people might think is wrong or unnecessary.

to provide a valid reason or explanation for an action or belief, especially one that is questioned.

Example

The manager had to justify the high cost of the new equipment to the owners.

Example

The researcher was asked to justify her methodology during the peer-review process to ensure the results were considered credible.

Usage

Often used with a gerund (e.g., 'justify doing something') or a noun phrase.
2 to be a good reason for (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to be a strong enough reason to make an action acceptable.

to serve as a sufficient warrant or ground for a particular course of action.

Example

The small increase in speed does not justify the extra risk of an accident.

Example

The projected increase in long-term revenue may justify the significant initial investment required for the infrastructure project.

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3 to align text (v.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

to arrange text so that both the left and right sides of the paragraph are straight.

to adjust the spaces between words so that lines of type end evenly at both margins.

Example

You should justify the text in your formal report to make it look professional.

Example

The designer chose to justify the body text to create a clean, block-like aesthetic for the magazine layout.

Usage

Usually used in the context of word processing or graphic design.
- align
4 to prove right in law (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

to show in court that someone had a legal reason for what they did.

to demonstrate that a defendant had a sufficient legal reason for an act that is the subject of a charge.

Example

The lawyer tried to justify his client's actions as self-defense.

Example

The defendant was able to justify the use of force by proving he was under immediate threat of physical harm.
- exonerate
- vindicate
- convict
5 to declare free from sin (v.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Literary Religion

to declare that someone is free from guilt or sin.

to declare or render as righteous or free from the penalty of sin.

Example

In many traditions, faith is what justifies a person before God.

Example

The theological debate centered on whether an individual is justified by their faith alone or through their charitable works.
- absolve
- redeem
- condemn

Origin

From Middle English justifien, from Old French justifier, from Late Latin justificare (“make just”), from Latin justus, iustus (“just”) + ficare (“make”), from facere, equivalent to just + -ify.