Justified
ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo prove or show something to be right or reasonable.
ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ
To show or prove to be right or reasonable.
The company justified the price increase by citing rising production costs.
💡 Simply: Like when you explain why you were late for school. You're giving a good reason to show you weren't being bad. If the reason is good, then your lateness is justified!
👶 For kids: To show that something is fair or right.
More Examples
She justified her decision to quit the job by explaining the toxic work environment.
The need to defend oneself can sometimes justify an aggressive response.
How It's Used
"The evidence justified the court's decision."
"His actions were justified by the circumstances."
Having a good reason for something; warranted or appropriate.
ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪd
Done or said for a good reason; warranted.
His anger was justified after being unfairly treated.
💡 Simply: When something is justified, it's like it's totally okay because there's a good reason for it. Like if you're grumpy because you didn't get enough sleep. It is *justified*.
👶 For kids: When something is okay to do because there's a good reason for it.
More Examples
The company's decision to lay off employees was, sadly, justified due to the economic downturn.
A justified expense is one that is reasonable and necessary.
How It's Used
"Their concerns were justified given the circumstances."
"The arrest was deemed justified by the evidence."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
justify oneself
To defend or explain one's actions or beliefs.
"He spent the entire meeting trying to justify himself."
justified anger
Anger that is felt for a good reason or in response to a fair cause
"Her reaction was a display of justified anger toward the unfair treatment."
From Late Latin *iūstificāre*, meaning 'to make just', 'to vindicate', from *iūstus* 'just' (see just) + *facere* 'to do, make'.
Used since the 15th century, initially with theological connotations, referring to being declared righteous by God. The secular meaning developed later.
Memory tip
Imagine you are defending your actions in court – you need to *justify* them to the judge.
Word Origin
"just, righteous"