B2verb formal 10K+

Justify

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ/","/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪz/","/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪd/","/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ/","/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪz/","/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪd/","/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Justify

to show that somebody/something is right or reasonable

In simple words: To give a good reason for something.

Justify in a sentence

• He tried to justify his actions during the meeting.
• You need to justify your expenses with proper receipts.
• Can you justify why this project is necessary?
• The lawyer had to justify his client's behavior in court.
• It is difficult to justify such high prices for basic goods.
• The author justifies her argument with strong evidence.
• He needs to justify his absence from the meeting last week.
• Many people find it hard to justify their decisions in retrospect.

How to use Justify

Use 'justify' when explaining reasons or arguments, especially in formal writing or debate. Avoid in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

justify + object

Memory hint

Think of 'just a fly' needing to explain why it's buzzing around.

Related words

Collocations with Justify

• really
• truly
• easily
• can
• serve to
• appear to
• on the grounds of something
• on the grounds that…
• to

Synonyms for Justify

• defend

Opposites of Justify

• condemn
• disprove
• invalidate

Common mistakes with Justify

• Used incorrectly as 'justification' instead of 'justify'.
• Confused with 'validate' in casual contexts.
• Incorrectly formed with 'justify to' instead of 'justify why'.

Frequently asked questions about Justify

What does Justify mean?

To give a good reason for something.

What is the definition of Justify?

to show that somebody/something is right or reasonable

How do you use Justify in a sentence?

He tried to justify his actions during the meeting.

Can you give another example of Justify?

You need to justify your expenses with proper receipts.

What are synonyms for Justify?

Common alternatives include defend.

What is the opposite of Justify?

Opposite meanings include condemn, disprove, invalidate.

What words go with Justify?

It commonly pairs with really, truly, easily, can, serve to, appear to, on the grounds of something, on the grounds that…, to.

What are common mistakes when using Justify?

Used incorrectly as 'justification' instead of 'justify'. Confused with 'validate' in casual contexts. Incorrectly formed with 'justify to' instead of 'justify why'.

How do you pronounce Justify?

US: /["/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ/","/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪz/","/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪd/","/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ/","/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪz/","/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪd/","/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Justify formal or informal?

"Justify" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Justify?

Use 'justify' when explaining reasons or arguments, especially in formal writing or debate. Avoid in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Justify?

"Justify" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.