justifiable
UK: ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪəbl̩ | US: ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪəbl̩
adj. capable of being justified or defended as correct or reasonable
adj. legally or morally valid; excusable
justifiable = just<fair> + ify<make> + able<capable of>
- just (from Latin iustus, meaning "fair, lawful")
- ify (verb-forming suffix from Latin -ificare, meaning "to make")
- able (adjective-forming suffix from Latin -abilis, meaning "capable of")
Etymology Origin:
The word "justifiable" originates from the Latin root iustus (just/fair), combined with the verb-forming suffix -ify (to make) and the adjective suffix -able (capable of). It literally means "capable of being made just," reflecting its modern sense of something that can be logically or morally defended. The term evolved through Old French (justifier) and Middle English, retaining its core idea of fairness and validity.
The lawyer argued that his client's actions were justifiable under the circumstances.
Her anger was justifiable after being treated unfairly.
The court ruled the use of force as justifiable in self-defense.
Critics questioned whether the high cost was justifiable for such a small benefit.
He provided a justifiable reason for missing the deadline.