justify

The word “justify” means to give a good reason or explanation for something. In plain terms, to explain or defend a decision as reasonable, or to line text up neatly on a page.

“Justify” is pronounced JUHS-tih-feye (/ˈd͡ʒʌstɪfaɪ/ in IPA).

Here is “justify” used in a sentence: “He struggled to justify the huge expense to his boss.”

Words with a similar meaning to “justify” include vindicate.

“Justify” is a verb.

The word “justify” comes from Late Latin. From Old French justifier, from Late Latin justificare, "to make just," combining iustus, "just," with facere, "to make.".

“Justify” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Justify” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to give a good reason or explanation for something.

To "explain" is to make something clear or give reasons so it can be understood. To "justify" goes further, showing that an action or belief is right, reasonable, or acceptable, often in response to criticism.

"Justify" means to give a genuinely good reason for something. "Rationalize" often implies inventing reasons to make a questionable action seem acceptable, so it can carry a more negative tone.

When formatting text, "align" positions lines to the left, right, or centre, leaving one edge uneven. To "justify" text is to space the words so that lines sit flush along both margins, giving a clean block shape.

Both can mean to provide sufficient reason for something. "Warrant" often suggests that a situation calls for or deserves a particular response, as in "the evidence warrants further study," while "justify" emphasises defending a choice as right.