Justification: meaning, definitions and examples
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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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "justification" in other languages:
🇵🇹 justificação
🇮🇳 औचित्य
🇩🇪 Rechtfertigung
🇮🇩 pembenaran
🇺🇦 виправдання
🇵🇱 usprawiedliwienie
🇯🇵 正当化
🇫🇷 justification
🇪🇸 justificación
🇹🇷 gerekçe
🇰🇷 정당화
🇸🇦 تبرير
🇨🇿 ospravedlnění
🇸🇰 ospravedlnenie
🇨🇳 正当化
🇸🇮 opravičilo
🇮🇸 réttlæting
🇰🇿 ақтау
🇬🇪 გამართლება
🇦🇿 əsaslandırma
🇲🇽 justificación