B2verblawwork
US/ˈdʒʌs.tə.faɪ/
UK/ˈdʒʌs.tɪ.faɪ/
to give a good reason for something that others think is wrong or unreasonable
In context
How can you justify spending so much money on a phone?
The results of the study justified the high cost of the research.
Nothing can ever justify the use of violence against children.
Words that go with justify
verb + noun
- justify the costThe small improvement in quality doesn't justify the cost.
- justify a decisionThe manager had to justify her decision to the board.
- justify the use ofCan the government justify the use of force?
- justify spendingIt's hard to justify spending that much on a handbag.
- justify yourselfYou don't have to justify yourself to anyone.
- justify the meansSome people believe that the end justifies the means.
adverb + verb
- fully justifiedTheir complaints were fully justified.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He tried to justify for his mistake.Correct: He tried to justify his mistake.