justness
UK[ˈdʒʌstnəs]US[ˈdʒʌstnəs]
n
The quality of being just, fair, or morally right.
n
The quality of being based on good reason or fact; soundness.
Morpheme Breakdown
just
ness
just
fair
ness
state or quality
Etymology
The word 'justness' is a direct combination of the adjective 'just' and the abstract noun-forming suffix '-ness'. The core concept of 'just' traces back to the Latin ius, which signified law, right, or legal authority, evolving into iustus to describe someone or something conforming to that law. The Old English suffix '-ness' is a prolific and enduring method for converting adjectives into nouns denoting an abstract quality or state. Therefore, 'justness' literally means 'the state or quality of being in accordance with law or right', a meaning that has broadened from strict legal conformity to encompass general fairness, moral righteousness, and logical soundness.
Analysis
Structure: just (fair) + ness (state or quality)
'just' originates from Latin iustus (righteous, lawful), from ius (law, right). The suffix '-ness' is from Old English -nes(s), a noun-forming suffix indicating a state, quality, or condition.
Examples
The justness of his decision was acknowledged by all parties involved.
She argued with great passion for the moral justness of their cause.
Lawyers debated the legal justness of the historical ruling.