justifiable
/ˌdʒʌstɪˈfaɪəbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdʒʌstɪˈfaɪəbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈjə-stə-ˌfī-ə-bəl/ (ame, mw)
justifiable — adjective
- justifiablepositive
- more justifiablecomparative
- most justifiablesuperlative
1. An action, decision, or feeling that is justifiable has a strong enough reason f
An action, decision, or feeling that is justifiable has a strong enough reason for people to consider it acceptable or right in the situation.
After working twelve hours without a break, Wen felt it was perfectly justifiable to ask her manager for some time off.
justifiable + to-infinitive pattern
The mayor explained that building the new hospital was justifiable because it would serve a growing population.
subject + be + justifiable + because-clause
Rosa's anger at being left out of the team was completely justifiable, since she had worked the hardest on the project.
Boris argued that the company's decision was not justifiable given the number of employees who would lose their jobs.
- defensible
Focuses on being able to defend against criticism, often in arguments or legal contexts; 'justifiable' is broader and more common in everyday use.
- legitimate
Suggests something is officially or legally acceptable; 'justifiable' more often appeals to general moral reason rather than formal rules.
- excusable
Emphasises forgiveness for a mistake or weakness; 'justifiable' implies a positive reason exists, not merely that the fault is minor.
- warranted
Suggests the action is specifically called for by the circumstances; slightly more formal than 'justifiable'.
- unjustifiable
Direct opposite — no good reason can be offered.
- inexcusable
Stronger disapproval; the action is so bad it cannot be defended at all.
文法句型
it + be + justifiable + to-infinitive
subject + be + justifiable + (because / given / on the grounds of)
用法筆記
Common in formal argumentation and ethical discussion. Frequently modified by adverbs such as 'perfectly', 'completely', 'morally', and 'economically' to strengthen or specify the grounds for justification. The opposite is 'unjustifiable' — use it when no good reason can be given.