unjustifiably

unjustifiably

UK[ʌnˈdʒʌstɪfaɪəbli]US[ʌnˈdʒʌstɪfaɪəbli]
adv

in a way that cannot be shown to be right or reasonable

Morpheme Breakdown

un
justify
ably
un

not

justify

to show to be right

ably

in a manner that can be

Etymology

the word 'unjustifiably' is a layered construction built upon the latin concept of justice. its core, 'justify,' originates from the latin justificare, meaning 'to make just,' which itself combines justus (just, lawful) and facere (to make). the adverbial suffix '-ably,' derived from latin -abilis, was attached to form 'justifiably,' meaning 'in a manner that can be shown to be right.' finally, the old english prefix 'un-,' a common negator, was prefixed to create the current form, directly negating the possibility of the action. thus, the word's literal progression from 'not' + 'to make just' + 'in a manner that can be' logically culminates in its modern abstract meaning: in a manner that cannot be shown to be right.

Analysis

Structure: un (not) + justify (to show to be right) + ably (in a manner that can be) un: a prefix of germanic origin, meaning "not," used to form negatives. justify: from latin justificare, from justus (just) + facere (to make). it functions as the core verb meaning to show something to be right. ably: an adverbial suffix from latin -abilis (able to be) via old french -able and middle english -ably, indicating the manner of an action.

Examples

the company was accused of unjustifiably raising prices during the crisis.

her optimism seemed unjustifiably high given the circumstances.

the decision to dismiss him was widely seen as unjustifiably harsh.