justifiable
UK[ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪəbl̩]US[ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪəbl̩]
adj
Able to be shown to be right or reasonable; defensible.
Morpheme Breakdown
just
ifi
able
just
fair
ifi
make
able
capable of
Etymology
The word 'justifiable' is built upon the Latin foundation for justice, ius. The adjective iustus (just) evolved into the English root 'just'. The addition of the verbal suffix '-ify', from Latin -ficare, creates the verb 'justify', meaning 'to make right or fair'. Finally, the adjectival suffix '-able', from Latin -abilis, is appended, transforming the action into a state of being capable of being made right. Thus, the literal construction "capable of being made just" elegantly captures the modern meaning of something that can be defended with good reason.
Analysis
Structure: just (fair) + ifi (make) + able (capable of)
- just: From Latin iustus (just, righteous). Functions as the core root conveying the concept of fairness or rightness.
- ifi: A reduced form of the Latin-derived suffix -ify, from -ficare (to make). Functions as a verbalizing suffix.
- able: From Latin -abilis (capable of, fit for). Functions as an adjectival suffix indicating capacity or worthiness.
Examples
The court ruled that the use of force was justifiable under the circumstances.
She had a justifiable reason for being late.
His anger was perfectly justifiable after such a betrayal.