to show (an act, claim, statement, etc.) to be just or right: The end does not always justify the means. to defend or uphold as warranted or well-grounded: Don't try to justify his rudeness.
The meaning of JUSTIFY is to prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable. How to use justify in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Justify.
Definition of justify verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
JUSTIFY definition: 1. to give or to be a good reason for: 2. If you justify yourself, you give a good reason for what…. Learn more.
To justify a decision, action, or idea means to show or prove that it is reasonable or necessary. No argument can justify a war.
- to show or prove to be just, right, or reasonable: The pleasure we get from these paintings justifies their high cost. 2. to defend or uphold as warranted or well-grounded: Don't try to justify his rudeness. 3. to declare innocent or guiltless; absolve; acquit.
justify (third-person singular simple present justifies, present participle justifying, simple past and past participle justified) (transitive) To provide an acceptable explanation for.
To justify means to provide a valid explanation, reason, or evidence to support or prove the validity, correctness, or appropriateness of something such as an action, decision, claim, or statement.
JUSTIFY definition: to show (an act, claim, statement, etc.) to be just or right. See examples of justify used in a sentence.
There are 23 meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb justify, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.