Justified vs Justifiable: Differences And Uses For Each One

Have you ever found yourself confused between the words “justified” and “justifiable”? While these words are similar in meaning, they have distinct differences that are important to understand. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and when it is appropriate to use each one.

It is important to note that both “justified” and “justifiable” are proper words in the English language. However, they have different meanings. “Justified” means that something is right or reasonable, while “justifiable” means that something can be shown to be right or reasonable. Essentially, “justified” implies that something has already been proven to be right or reasonable, while “justifiable” suggests that it could be proven to be right or reasonable.

Understanding the distinction between these two words is crucial, as using them interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the meanings and usage of each word.

Define Justified

Justified refers to an action or decision that is deemed to be right or reasonable based on a set of standards or principles. It implies that there is sufficient evidence or reason to support the action or decision, and that it aligns with ethical, moral, or legal norms. Justified actions or decisions are often considered to be fair, appropriate, or deserved.

For example, if a person is being physically attacked, it may be justified for them to defend themselves with force in order to protect themselves from harm. In this case, the action is considered to be justified because it is necessary to prevent harm and is in line with the principle of self-defense.

Define Justifiable

Justifiable is similar to justified in that it also refers to an action or decision that can be defended or explained based on a set of standards or principles. However, the key difference is that justifiable actions or decisions may not necessarily be considered to be right or reasonable by everyone.

For example, if a person steals food to feed their starving family, the action may be justifiable in their eyes because they believe it is necessary to survive. However, others may view the action as unjustified because stealing is illegal and violates ethical norms.

Overall, the term justifiable implies that there is some level of controversy or debate surrounding the action or decision, and that it may not be universally accepted as right or reasonable.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can be tricky, especially when the words are similar in meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “justified” and “justifiable” in a sentence.

How To Use “Justified” In A Sentence

The word “justified” is an adjective that means having a good reason for doing something or being done for a good reason. Here are some examples of how to use “justified” in a sentence:

• His anger was justified after being lied to.
• The company’s decision to cut costs was justified due to the economic downturn.
• The police officer’s use of force was justified in the situation.

It is important to note that “justified” is often used in the past tense to describe something that has already happened and was deemed reasonable or necessary.

How To Use “Justifiable” In A Sentence

The word “justifiable” is also an adjective that means capable of being justified or explained. Here are some examples of how to use “justifiable” in a sentence:

• His actions were justifiable given the circumstances.
• The cost of the project was justifiable considering the potential benefits.
• It is not justifiable to discriminate against someone based on their race or gender.

It is important to note that “justifiable” is often used to describe something that is currently being evaluated or considered, rather than something that has already happened.

Overall, it is important to choose the right word to accurately convey your intended meaning. By understanding the differences between “justified” and “justifiable”, you can use them correctly in your writing.

More Examples Of Justified & Justifiable Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how the words “justified” and “justifiable” can be used in sentences. These examples will help you better understand the meaning and usage of these two words.

Examples Of Using “Justified” In A Sentence

• His anger was justified when he found out he had been lied to.
• The company’s decision to lay off employees was justified due to financial difficulties.
• The police officer’s use of force was justified in order to protect himself and others.
• She felt justified in asking for a raise after working hard for the company for several years.
• The judge’s ruling was justified based on the evidence presented in court.
• His fear of flying was justified after experiencing turbulence on his last flight.
• The student’s complaint was justified as the teacher had unfairly graded her paper.
• Her decision to end the relationship was justified as he had been unfaithful.
• The criticism of the new policy was justified as it had negative consequences for employees.
• The company’s decision to invest in new technology was justified as it would improve efficiency.

Examples Of Using “Justifiable” In A Sentence

• His actions were justifiable given the circumstances he was in.
• The company’s decision to increase prices was justifiable due to rising production costs.
• The use of force by the police officer was justifiable in order to apprehend a dangerous criminal.
• The employee’s request for a day off was justifiable as he had not taken a vacation in months.
• The criticism of the new policy was justifiable as it had not been properly communicated to employees.
• The company’s decision to terminate the contract was justifiable as the other party had breached its terms.
• The student’s complaint was justifiable as the teacher had not provided clear instructions for the assignment.
• The decision to cancel the event was justifiable due to the severe weather conditions.
• The company’s decision to expand its business overseas was justifiable as there was a high demand for its products.
• The use of pesticides was justifiable in order to protect crops from pests and diseases.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “justified” and “justifiable,” many people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and cannot be used interchangeably. In this section, we will highlight some common mistakes people make when using these words and explain why they are incorrect. We will also offer tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.

Using “Justified” When “Justifiable” Should Be Used

One common mistake people make is using “justified” when “justifiable” should be used. “Justified” means that something is right or reasonable, while “justifiable” means that something can be defended or explained. For example:

• Incorrect: His actions were justified because he had a good reason.
• Correct: His actions were justifiable because he had a good reason.

In the incorrect example, “justified” is used to mean that the person’s actions were right or reasonable. However, “justifiable” should be used because it means that the person’s actions can be defended or explained, which is more accurate in this context.

Using “Justifiable” When “Justified” Should Be Used

Another common mistake people make is using “justifiable” when “justified” should be used. As mentioned earlier, “justifiable” means that something can be defended or explained, while “justified” means that something is right or reasonable. For example:

• Incorrect: His actions were justifiable because they were right.
• Correct: His actions were justified because they were right.

In the incorrect example, “justifiable” is used to mean that the person’s actions were right or reasonable. However, “justified” should be used because it means that the person’s actions are right or reasonable, which is more accurate in this context.

Using “Justified” Or “Justifiable” Without Context

Finally, another mistake people make is using “justified” or “justifiable” without providing any context. These words are often used in legal or ethical discussions, and without context, their meanings can be unclear. For example:

• Incorrect: The company’s actions were justifiable.
• Correct: The company’s actions were justifiable because they were taken in self-defense.

In the incorrect example, “justifiable” is used without providing any context, making it unclear what the company’s actions were or why they were justifiable. By providing context, we can make it clear what we mean and avoid any confusion.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes, it’s important to understand the difference between “justified” and “justifiable.” Remember that “justified” means that something is right or reasonable, while “justifiable” means that something can be defended or explained. Here are some tips to help you avoid making these mistakes:

• Always provide context when using “justified” or “justifiable.”
• If you’re unsure which word to use, think about whether you’re trying to say that something is right or reasonable (use “justified”) or whether you’re trying to say that something can be defended or explained (use “justifiable”).
• Read over your writing carefully to ensure that you’re using the right word.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “justified” and “justifiable,” context is key. The choice between these two words can depend on the situation in which they are used and the level of moral or ethical scrutiny applied. In some cases, the two words can be used interchangeably, while in others, there may be a subtle but important difference in meaning.

Examples Of Context

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “justified” and “justifiable” might change:

• Legal Context: In a legal context, the word “justified” is often used to describe actions that are deemed lawful or in accordance with the law. For example, a police officer may use force that is deemed “justified” in order to subdue a suspect who is resisting arrest. On the other hand, the word “justifiable” may be used to describe actions that are not necessarily legal, but can be argued to be morally or ethically defensible. For example, a person may break into a building in order to rescue someone who is in danger, and their actions may be seen as “justifiable” even though they are not legal.
• Moral Context: In a moral context, the word “justified” is often used to describe actions that are deemed right or good. For example, a person may feel “justified” in lying in order to protect someone from harm. On the other hand, the word “justifiable” may be used to describe actions that are not necessarily morally right, but can be defended based on a particular set of beliefs or values. For example, a person may argue that the death penalty is “justifiable” based on their belief in retribution or deterrence.
• Personal Context: In a personal context, the choice between “justified” and “justifiable” may depend on the individual’s own moral or ethical code. For example, a person may feel that lying is never “justified” under any circumstances, while another person may feel that lying is “justifiable” if it is done to protect someone they care about. In this case, the choice between the two words may be based on personal values rather than a broader moral or ethical framework.

As you can see, the choice between “justified” and “justifiable” can vary depending on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the specific situation and the level of moral or ethical scrutiny applied before choosing which word to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

Identifying Exceptions

While the rules for using “justified” and “justifiable” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these rules may not apply. In these cases, it is important to understand the context and usage of these words to avoid confusion or miscommunication.

Exceptions Explained

One exception to the rules for using “justified” and “justifiable” is in legal contexts. In legal terminology, “justified” refers to an action that is legally permissible or authorized, while “justifiable” refers to an action that is morally or ethically defensible.

For example, in a criminal trial, a defendant may argue that their actions were justified because they were acting in self-defense. In this case, “justified” refers to the legality of the action. However, if a defendant argues that their actions were justifiable because they were defending themselves from an imminent threat, “justifiable” refers to the moral or ethical defense of the action.

Another exception to the rules for using “justified” and “justifiable” is in philosophical contexts. In philosophical discussions, “justified” refers to a belief or claim that is supported by evidence or reasoning, while “justifiable” refers to a belief or claim that is morally or ethically defensible.

For example, a philosopher may argue that a belief is justified because it is supported by empirical evidence. In this case, “justified” refers to the evidence-based support for the belief. However, if a philosopher argues that a belief is justifiable because it aligns with a moral principle, “justifiable” refers to the ethical defense of the belief.

Examples Of Exceptions

Context	Example
Legal	A defendant argues that their actions were justified because they were acting in self-defense.
Legal	A defendant argues that their actions were justifiable because they were defending themselves from an imminent threat.
Philosophical	A philosopher argues that a belief is justified because it is supported by empirical evidence.
Philosophical	A philosopher argues that a belief is justifiable because it aligns with a moral principle.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between justified and justifiable, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1

Choose the correct word (justified or justifiable) to complete each sentence:

Sentence	Correct Word
His actions were ________ because he was defending himself.	justified
The company’s decision to fire the employee was ________.	justifiable
She couldn’t find a ________ reason for canceling the event.	justifiable
The police officer’s use of force was ________.	justified
The company’s profits were ________ by the increase in sales.	justified

Answer Key:

• His actions were justified because he was defending himself.
• The company’s decision to fire the employee was justifiable.
• She couldn’t find a justifiable reason for canceling the event.
• The police officer’s use of force was justified.
• The company’s profits were justified by the increase in sales.

Exercise 2

Write a sentence using each of the following words:

• justified
• justifiable
• unjustified
• unjustifiable

Answer Key:

• His anger was justified after he was betrayed by his best friend.
• The company’s decision to cut costs was justifiable given the current economic climate.
• Her accusations were unjustified and caused a lot of unnecessary drama.
• The company’s decision to discriminate against certain employees was unjustifiable.

By practicing these exercises, you’ll be able to confidently use both justified and justifiable in your writing and speaking.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between justified and justifiable, it is clear that these two words cannot be used interchangeably. While justified refers to something that is right or reasonable, justifiable means that something can be defended or explained. It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and to convey the intended meaning accurately.

When it comes to language use, grammar is crucial in conveying the intended message effectively. It is important to continue learning about grammar rules and language use to improve communication skills. By doing so, one can avoid common mistakes and ensure that their message is accurately conveyed.

In conclusion, the proper use of language is essential in effective communication. Understanding the differences between words such as justified and justifiable can help in conveying the intended message accurately. We encourage readers to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve their communication skills.