What is justify? Pronunciation and usage in English

justify means . Learn how to pronounce and use justify through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of justify

justifyverb

/ˈdʒʌstɪfʌɪ/
Definition & pronunciation of justify

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "justify" in English. Here's a breakdown with audio cues (though I can't actually play them for you here, I'll describe how to make the sounds):

1. Syllables:

The word "justify" is broken into three syllables:

  • jus - (like "juice" without the "ee")
  • ti - (like the letter "T")
  • fy - (rhymes with “sky”)

2. Phonetic Breakdown (approximate):

  • jus: /dʒʊs/ (The "j" sound is similar to the "s" in "treasure" – a quick, slightly breathy “j” sound.)
  • ti: /ti/ (a simple “t” sound)
  • fy: /faɪ/ (the “f” sound followed by a long “i” sound, like in “eye”)

3. Putting it together:

The entire word is pronounced: juhs-tee-fy

4. Tips for Sounding Right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: “jus-ti-fy”.
  • “J” sound: It’s crucial to get the “j” sound right - don’t let it be a regular “s” sound.
  • ““i” sound: Make the “i” in “fy” long and clear.

Resources for Hearing it:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some common mispronunciations and how to avoid them?

Usage and examples with the word justify in English

Let's break down how to use the word "justify" in English. It's a versatile word with multiple meanings, so understanding the context is key. Here's a breakdown of its common usages:

1. To Give a Reason or Explanation (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To provide a valid reason or logical explanation for something, especially a decision, action, or belief. It’s about making something seem reasonable or understandable.
  • Example:
    • "He needed to justify his decision to fire the employee." (He needed to explain why he fired the employee.)
    • "The lawyer tried to justify the defendant's actions." (The lawyer was arguing for why the defendant did what they did.)
    • "I can't justify spending so much money on this." (I can’t explain or find a good reason for spending this much.)
  • Phrases: "justify an action," "justify a claim," "justify a decision," "justify your behavior"

2. To Defend or Excuse (Often with a negative connotation)

  • Meaning: To attempt to make something that is wrong or unacceptable seem less wrong, often by providing excuses. This usage can imply a degree of defensiveness.
  • Example:
    • "She tried to justify her lying by saying it was for his own good." (She was excusing her lie.)
    • "He’s trying to justify his infidelity." (He's trying to make his affair seem understandable, though it may not be.)
  • Important Note: Using “justify” in this sense can sometimes sound like you're trying to cover something up rather than genuinely explaining it.

3. To Make Something Firm or Stable (Less Common – More Formal)

  • Meaning: To support or strengthen something, often physically.
  • Example:
    • "The foundation was justified to prevent the building from collapsing." (The foundation was reinforced and strengthened.)
    • "The treaty was justified with extensive negotiations.” (The treaty was supported with a thorough process.)

4. (Verb + “to” construction - a formal/legal usage)

  • Meaning: To demonstrate that something is true or correct, often in a legal or academic setting.
  • Example:
    • “The witness will need to justify his testimony with evidence.” (The witness needs to prove his account is accurate.)
    • “The professor will justify her argument with citations from scholarly sources.” (The professor needs to support her argument with appropriate evidence.)

Synonyms:

  • Explain: To give a reason or account.
  • Defend: To argue in support of.
  • Excuse: To make something less blameworthy.
  • Rationalize: To make something seem reasonable or logical (often used when there’s a secret or hidden motive).
  • Validate: To confirm the truth or soundness of.

Tips for Using "Justify":

  • Context is Crucial: Pay attention to the situation to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Be Careful with "Excuse": While related, "justify" isn't always about providing an excuse. It's more about providing a valid reason.
  • Consider Alternatives: Depending on the nuance you want to convey, "explain," "defend," or "validate" might be a better fit.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What is the context in which you want to use the word "justify"? (e.g., a writing assignment, a conversation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word justify

Idioms of the word justify

the end justifies the means
(saying)bad or unfair methods of doing something are acceptable if the result of that action is good or positive
  • He defended a morality in which the end justifies the means.
  • That's only OK if you believe that the end justifies the means.

Practice with vocabulary justify

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The CEO found it challenging to _________ the significant budget cuts to the R&D department, especially after a year of record profits.
  2. During the debriefing, the project manager had to _________ the entire team on the revised timeline and its implications.
  3. The company struggled to _________ its decision to outsource customer service, as it led to a noticeable drop in customer satisfaction.
  4. Before presenting their findings, the researchers needed to _________ their methodology with strong statistical evidence.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The government struggled to _________ the imposition of new taxes without demonstrating clear public benefit. A) justify B) explain C) rationalize D) vindicate

  2. To successfully _________ their research findings, the scientists presented a wealth of empirical data and peer-reviewed studies. A) exemplify B) substantiate C) describe D) illustrate

  3. From an ethical standpoint, it is difficult to _________ the use of animal testing for cosmetic products. A) justify B) condone C) defend D) excuse

  4. The new safety protocols were implemented to _________ the consistency of production processes across all facilities. A) reinforce B) clarify C) ensure D) exemplify

  5. The board demanded a thorough explanation to _________ the CEO's controversial decision to acquire the failing startup. A) justify B) account for C) validate D) excuse

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The project manager had to give strong reasons for the unexpected delays in the project's completion.
  2. The lawyer aimed to prove the truth of his client's alibi using the newly presented evidence.
  3. There was no legitimate reason to terminate the employee without prior warnings.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. justify
  2. explain
  3. justify
  4. substantiate

Exercise 2:

  1. A) justify, B) explain
  2. B) substantiate
  3. A) justify, C) defend
  4. C) ensure
  5. A) justify, B) account for

Exercise 3:

  1. The project manager had to justify the unexpected delays in the project's completion.
  2. The lawyer aimed to substantiate his client's alibi using the newly presented evidence.
  3. There was no justification for terminating the employee without prior warnings.

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