justified

Everyday

1. Fair and having a good reason. tree →
2. (text) Lined up so that both the left and right edges of the lines are straight. tree →
3. (verb, past) Gave a good reason for something. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and stories: «Her anger was justified.» In exams and debates: a justified answer gives reasons. In computing and design: justified text lines up on both sides. Phrases: feel justified, fully justified.

Examples

• Your complaint is justified — the toy was broken. tree →
• She felt justified in telling the teacher. tree →
• Was the red card justified? tree →
• In newspapers, text is often justified. tree →
• He justified his answer with a diagram. tree →
• Their worry was justified when the storm came. tree →

Note

Opposite: unjustified. In maths: «justify your answer» means explain why, show your working.

In Jewish tradition

To be justified means to be shown to be in the right, or to be found innocent in a court of law.

Interpretation. Job insists he is in the right, and God asks whether Job would call God wrong to prove it. Isaiah promises that all of Israel will in the end be found righteous before God.

Examples

• Wilt thou condemn Me, that thou mayest be justified? (Writings JOB.40.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• Behold now, I have ordered my cause; I know that I shall be justified. (Writings JOB.13.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. (Prophets ISA.45.25, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Opposite: unjustified. In maths: «justify your answer» means explain why, show your working.