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DictionaryjustifyShow to be reasonable or right
verb

justify

JUS-tih-fye/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ/

To establish that something is right or warranted.

The student shows the construction steps to justify the conclusion.

A white student shows the steps of a geometric construction to support a conclusion, no letters.
Etymology
justLatinjust, right
+ifyLatinto make, do

The pieces mean ‘make just.’ In the selected sense, this becomes showing something to be right or reasonable, rather than changing the thing itself.

In context

Dr. Tracey Marks2:30
For example, the person who's always mad about something may justify their anger as a normal response to being around idiots.
What To Do If You’re The Toxic One In Your Relationship

More examples

  • The small savings do not justify the extra work.
  • She justified her decision by pointing to the safety risks.
  • In Christian teaching, God justifies sinners through faith.

Forms

justify · justifies · justified · justifying

justification noun — A reason that supports an action.

justifiable adjective — Able to be shown as reasonable.

Similar words

defend
Emphasizes answering criticism rather than establishing that something is right.
warrant
Means providing sufficient grounds, without necessarily explaining those grounds.
vindicate
Emphasizes proving someone or something right after criticism or doubt.