justificative

8.9

Giving a reason to defend or explain something

adjective
/ˌdʒʌstɪfɪˈkeɪtɪv/

: justificativo

The lawyer presented a justificative argument in court.

Examples

The president’s justificative letter aimed to persuade critics of the new law.
She adopted a justificative tone throughout her article to defend her actions.
His justificative remarks tried to explain the controversial decision.
Her report lacked a justificative basis.
She adopted a justificative tone throughout her article to defend her actions.
His justificative remarks tried to explain the controversial decision.
The president’s justificative letter aimed to persuade critics of the new law.

Synonyms

justificatory

vsjustificative

1 8.8

Gives reasons to show why something is right or okay

is the same meaning but differs only in word form or ending

vindicatory

vsjustificative

1 9.9

Showing that a person is not guilty of a wrong

is broader, used to justify or defend generally rather than specifically clear blame

Antonyms

indefensible

24 7.5

People cannot show a decision or action is right when others criticize it

unjustifiable

5 6.8

You cannot show it is right or acceptable

How Defensive

defensive

404 3.8

vindicatory

1 9.9

justificative

8.9

explanatory

26 3.8

apologetic

27 3.7

Surface Forms

justificative positive

Morphology

justificative = justify (transparent) = justify + ative

The suffix '-ative' is a standard derivation indicating a tendency or purpose, making the meaning clear.

Etymology

Justificative comes from the verb justify, built from the parts just- 'right' and -fy 'to make', and it shares the idea behind justice. So, a justificative remark tries to 'make something seem right' by giving reasons to defend it.