Basic Details
Word: Justification
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A good reason or explanation that shows something is right or fair.
Synonyms: reason, explanation, defence, grounds
How to Spell Justification
Syllables: jus - ti - fi - ca - tion
Tricky part: The y of justify becomes i, and the ending is cation with a c. Students write justifycation or end it with sion.
Watch out for: justifycation, justificasion, justefication
Memory tip: Justify swaps its y for i and then takes cation: justif-i-cation, the way classify gives classification.
Usage Examples
Example 1: There is no justification for being rude to the waiter.
Example 2: The manager gave a long justification for raising ticket prices.
Example 3: In maths, every step needs a justification, not just the answer.
Fun Fact
In printing and typing, justification means spacing the text so that both edges of a column are straight, as in most newspapers.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Insert the correct letters to form a word:
just_f_cation
a) e,i
b) y,i
c) i,y
d) i,i
Show answer
d) i,i. Justify has turned its y into i, so both missing vowels are i.
Word Connection
Choose the word closest in meaning to justification as used in the sentence:
The coach asked for a justification before dropping the team's best bowler.
a) reason
b) reward
c) warning
d) celebration
Show answer
a) reason. A justification is the reason given for a decision.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one word in the list is spelt correctly. Choose the meaning of that word.
1. qualifecation 2. notefication 3. justification 4. classificasion
a) an exam passed or skill gained that makes one fit for a job
b) arranging things into groups
c) a good reason that shows something is right
d) an official message telling people about something
Show answer
c) a good reason that shows something is right. Classification, qualification and notification are all written wrongly in the list; only justification is spelt right.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. If an action has no justification, it is ____.
a) hard to defend
b) easy to defend
c) very common
d) very old
Show answer
a) hard to defend
2. Which word often introduces the justification for a claim?
a) unless
b) because
c) although
d) whereas
Show answer
b) because
