How to pronounce justify
Say it like JUHS-tuh-fy. Justify has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JUHS).
- JUHS
- tuh
- fy
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Justify pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- JUHSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- fyGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of justify
American and British speakers say justify in essentially the same way: /ˈdʒʌstəˌfaɪ/ in the US and /ˈdʒʌstɪˌfaɪ/ in the UK.
British respelling: JUHS-tih-fy.
What does justify mean?
- show to be right by providing justification or proof“vindicate a claim”
- (used of God) declare innocent; absolve from the penalty of sin
- adjust the spaces between words“justify the margins”
Where does justify come from?
From Middle English justifien, from Old French justifier, from Late Latin justificare (“make just”), from Latin justus, iustus (“just”) + ficare (“make”), from facere, equivalent to just + -ify.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying justify
How do you pronounce justify?
Say JUHS-tuh-fy. The American pronunciation is /ˈdʒʌstəˌfaɪ/. In British English it is /ˈdʒʌstɪˌfaɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in justify?
Justify has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (JUHS). Broken into parts: JUHS · tuh · fy.
Do Americans and Brits say justify the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdʒʌstəˌfaɪ/ and the British form is /ˈdʒʌstɪˌfaɪ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.