justify
C1Formal & Academic
Definition
Meaning
to show or prove that something is right or reasonable.
To be a good reason for something; to arrange text so that the lines are straight at both margins.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In its core sense, 'justify' often implies providing evidence or moral reasoning to defend an action. In typography, it is a technical term with a distinct meaning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage patterns are largely identical. The formatting sense ('left-justified') is standard in both regions.
Connotations
Slightly stronger association with formal argumentation in UK academic contexts.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK legal and academic registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
justify something (direct object)justify doing somethingjustify oneselfbe justified in doing somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The end justifies the means.”
- “Can't justify my own existence.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to argue for expenditures, strategies, or staffing decisions (e.g., 'The data justifies the investment.').
Academic
Central to constructing arguments and evaluating hypotheses (e.g., 'The findings justify the proposed theory.').
Everyday
Used when explaining personal decisions or actions (e.g., 'I can't justify buying a new car right now.').
Technical
In computing/typography: 'Justify the text to align both margins.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister must justify the new policy to parliament.
- Please justify your margins in the dissertation.
American English
- The CEO justified the layoffs as necessary for survival.
- Make sure you justify the text in the final document.
adverb
British English
- The text was justifiedly aligned.
- (Rare usage; 'justifiably' is standard for the core meaning).
American English
- (Adverbial form 'justifiably' is standard; 'justifiedly' is archaic).
adjective
British English
- A justified fear of reprisals kept them silent.
- The text is fully justified on the page.
American English
- He felt justified in his criticism.
- Use a justified alignment for a cleaner look.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I can justify why I was late.
- He tried to justify his mistake.
- The company must justify its high prices.
- Can you justify spending so much money?
- The evidence does not justify such drastic measures.
- She felt fully justified in refusing their offer.
- The philosophical framework seeks to justify the moral imperative.
- His actions, however reprehensible, were justified within the context of the code.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'JUST IF I...' need to prove why my action was right.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTIFICATION IS SUPPORT (to prop up an argument), JUSTIFICATION IS BALANCE (to weigh reasons).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'оправдывать' in all contexts; for the formatting sense, use 'выравнивать'. The phrase 'be justified in doing something' has no direct Russian equivalent; it conveys having sufficient moral/legal right.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'justify' without an object ('He tried to justify.' – incorrect). Confusing 'justify' with 'excuse' (justify implies sound reasoning; excuse implies mitigating a fault).
Practice
Quiz
In typography, to 'justify' text means to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Explain' is neutral, meaning to make clear. 'Justify' adds the element of proving rightness or reasonableness, often in the face of criticism.
Yes, it can be positive when proving the merit of a good action (e.g., 'His success justifies our faith in him.').
It is common in formal and academic contexts, but is also perfectly usable in everyday speech when discussing reasons for decisions.
The primary noun is 'justification'. 'Justifiability' is also possible but less common.
Collections
Part of a collection
Debate Vocabulary
B2 · 48 words · Language for constructing arguments and discussions.