justifiably
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: In a manner that can be shown to be right, reasonable, or warranted; with good or adequate justification.
Usage
The adverb "justifiably" is used to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate that the action or state described is reasonable, defensible, and based on sound reasons. It answers the implicit question "Why?" with the answer "Because there is a valid reason."
Examples
- The public was justifiably outraged by the corruption scandal. (Modifies the adjective "outraged," indicating the outrage was reasonable.)
- She felt justifiably proud of her team's accomplishment. (Modifies the adjective "proud," indicating the pride was warranted.)
- He could justifiably claim to be an expert in the field after decades of research. (Modifies the verb "claim," indicating the claim is defensible.)
Advanced Usage
- Position in a Sentence: "Justifiably" often appears immediately before the adjective or past participle it modifies (e.g., , ). It can also be placed before the main verb or at the beginning of a clause for emphasis.
- The CEO, justifiably, focused on the company's financial stability.
- In Formal Argumentation: Used to concede a point while framing it as reasonable, often preceding a counter-argument.
- "One may justifiably argue that the policy is costly; however, its long-term benefits are significant."
Variants and Related Words
- Justifiable (adjective): Capable of being justified; defensible.
- His anger was a justifiable reaction to the insult.
- Justify (verb): To show or prove to be right or reasonable.
- The ends do not justify the means.
- Justification (noun): The action of showing something to be right or reasonable; a good reason for something.
- There is no justification for such rudeness.
Synonyms
- Rightly
- Reasonably
- Defensibly
- Warrantably
- Legitimately
Antonyms
- Unjustifiably
- Unreasonably
- Inexcusably
Related Phrases and Idioms
- With (good) reason: A common phrase with a very similar meaning to "justifiably."
- She is angry, and with good reason.
- Justifiably so: A reinforcing phrase used for emphasis, often at the end of a clause.
- He was nervous about the presentation, and justifiably so.
Adverb
- with good reason
- he is justifiably bitter