justify
UKˈdʒʌstɪfaɪUSˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ
Meaning
1v
To give reasons showing that an action or belief is reasonable.
2v
To provide a sufficient reason for something.
3v
To align text evenly with both margins.
Structure
Base + suffix
justfair; rightifymake; become
Usage
Can you justify the extra expense?
The evidence does not justify that conclusion.
Etymology
Justify comes through French from Latin iustificare, combining iustus, 'just', with facere, 'make'. Its formation expresses making or showing something to be just.
Analysis
just: fair or right.
-ify: make or cause to become. Justify has a suffix here, not a prefix. Compare justification and justifiable.
Word families
Browse alljustfair; right
01justiceThe fair treatment of people and the administration of the law.justfair; right02justBased on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair.justfair; right03justifiableAble to be shown to be right or reasonable; defensible.justfair; right04justificationA good reason or explanation for something.justfair; right
Explore the just family →