Justifiably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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justifiably
[ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪəbli ]
Definition
reasoning terms
Justifiably means in a way that can be justified or defended. It indicates that an action, belief, or conclusion is reasonable and supported by evidence or logic. It is often used in contexts where justification or rational explanation is required. For example, one might argue that a decision is justifiably made based on certain ethical principles or legal standards.
Synonyms
appropriately, defensibly, legitimately, rightfully.
Examples of usage
- She was justifiably proud of her achievements.
- The action was justifiably criticized by the committee.
- He justifiably felt that he deserved a promotion.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In legal terms, actions taken justifiably may not lead to punishment, as they are seen as necessary for a good reason.
- Self-defense is often cited as a justifiable reason for certain actions in court.
- Laws across various jurisdictions require justification to validate actions taken under stress or threat.
Ethics
- Many ethical theories focus on the idea that actions can only be right if they are justifiable.
- Philosophers debate what makes a reason good enough to justify an action, influencing moral reasoning.
- The concept of 'justifying harm' involves discussions about when it might be acceptable to harm others for a greater good.
Psychology
- Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that people strive to justify their behaviors to align with their beliefs.
- Justifiably framing our actions can help reduce feelings of guilt or regret.
- Researchers study how justifying decisions affects motivation and future choices.
Pop Culture
- Songs and movies often explore themes of justification, depicting characters confronting their choices.
- In various media, characters will seek justification for their actions, showcasing the complexity of morality.
- The phrase 'justifiable homicide' appears in crime dramas as a pivotal plot point.
Origin of 'justifiably'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'justificare', which means to make just or right.
- It combines 'just' meaning fair, and the suffix 'ably' indicating ability to do something.
- It has been used in English since the early 1600s, evolving in usage alongside concepts of fairness.
The word 'justifiably' has its origins in the Latin word 'justificare', which means 'to make just or right'. The term evolved through Old French 'justifier', which maintained similar meanings pertaining to justification or righteousness before integrating into Middle English. The prefix 'just-' in English stems from Latin 'justus', meaning 'just or fair'. The adverbial form 'justifiably' comes from the adjective 'justifiable', which signifies something that can be justified. In legal, ethical, and philosophical discourses, 'justifiably' is often employed to express when a particular action or belief can be considered reasonable or just, thereby reinforcing the connection of the word to concepts of morality and rationality. Over centuries, it has been solidified into English usage, especially in discussions regarding justification in ethical dilemmas or legal reasoning.