justified
UK: ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪd | US: ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪd
adj. 1. Having a valid reason or explanation; morally or logically acceptable.
adj. 2. (Typography) Aligned evenly along a margin, as in justified text.
v. (past tense of justify) 3. Demonstrated to be right or reasonable.
justified = just<fair> + ify<to make> + ed<past participle>
- just (from Latin iustus, meaning "fair, lawful")
- ify (verb-forming suffix from Latin -ificare, meaning "to make")
- ed (past participle suffix indicating completed action)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin iustificare ("to make just"), combining iustus (justice) and facere (to make). Over time, it evolved through Old French justifier into Middle English, retaining the core idea of proving fairness or correctness. The typographic sense emerged later, metaphorically extending the concept of "alignment" to text layout.
The judge ruled that the defendant's actions were legally justified.
She felt justified in refusing the unfair offer.
The document uses fully justified text for a cleaner appearance.
His anger was justified by the constant disrespect he endured.
The data justified their investment in renewable energy.