Justification Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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justification
[ˌdʒʌstɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ]
Definitions
in reasoning
The act of justifying; showing something to be right or just. It can also refer to a reason or explanation that makes something seem right or reasonable.
Synonyms
explanation, reasoning, validation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| justification |
Use when providing evidence or arguments to support a decision, action, or belief, often in formal or legal contexts.
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| validation |
Use when confirming the legitimacy or accuracy of something, often in experimental, technical, or social contexts. It can also imply approval or recognition.
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| explanation |
Use when clarifying or making something understandable, often in everyday situations or educational contexts.
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| reasoning |
Use when discussing the mental process of thinking about and understanding something, often in analytical or philosophical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- Her justification for quitting her job was the toxic work environment.
- The professor asked for a justification for the late submission of the assignment.
in typography
The alignment of text along the left and right margins in a document.
Synonyms
alignment, arrangement, formatting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| justification |
This word can also refer to text alignment in documents, especially in terms of spacing lines evenly.
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| alignment |
This word is appropriate when talking about how things line up with each other, whether physically or in terms of goals and objectives.
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| arrangement |
This is used when you organize or put things in a specific order or layout.
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| formatting |
This word is suitable in situations involving the structuring or organizing of text or documents.
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Examples of usage
- The text had proper justification, making it easier to read.
- The justification of the paragraphs made the document look more professional.
in law
A good reason for doing something, especially if it is based on accepted standards or authority.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| justification |
This word is often used when explaining the reason or reasoning behind an action or a decision, especially in formal or serious situations.
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| rationale |
Used in formal contexts to present a coherent and logical explanation for a decision, idea, or belief.
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| grounds |
Typically employed in legal, formal, or serious contexts to refer to the basis or reason for an action, claim, or belief.
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Examples of usage
- The lawyer presented a strong justification for his client's actions.
- There needs to be a legal justification for the search.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Philosophers often discuss the concept of justification in ethics, exploring how moral actions can be defended as right.
- In epistemology, a belief can be justified if there are good reasons or evidence supporting it.
- The debates around justification help us understand complex decisions, such as whether an action can be deemed morally acceptable.
Law
- In legal contexts, justification can refer to defenses used in court, such as self-defense or necessity.
- A justification can help explain why someone acted in a certain way, which can impact sentencing or guilt.
- Laws vary in their requirements for justification, often requiring proof that a defense is reasonable under the circumstances.
Psychology
- Cognitive dissonance occurs when someone tries to justify conflicting beliefs or actions to reduce discomfort.
- People often provide justifications for their choices to feel better about their decisions, even if they are not logical.
- The need for justification can influence human behavior, leading individuals to rationalize actions that may not align with their values.
Education
- In academic writing, students must provide justification for their arguments, helping to strengthen their claims.
- Justification is crucial in critical thinking, requiring individuals to evaluate evidence and reason logically.
- Teachers encourage students to justify their answers to develop reasoning skills and foster deeper understanding.
Origin of 'justification'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'justificatio', meaning 'to make just' or 'to show to be right'.
- In medieval times, the term was often used in the context of law to describe the act of defending a position or action.
- The prefix 'just-' relates to fairness, while '-fication' refers to the process of making something.
The word 'justification' comes from the Latin word 'justificatio', which means 'act of justifying'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The concept of justification has been important in various fields such as philosophy, law, and typography, where it denotes the act of proving or showing something to be right or reasonable.
See also: injustifiably, justifiability, justifiable, justified, justifyingly, unjustifiably, unjustified.