justify

/ˈd͡ʒʌstɪfaɪ/verb
Middle School
1

To provide an acceptable explanation for.

2

To be a good reason behind a normally-unacceptable action; to warrant.

3

To arrange (text) on a page or a computer screen such that the left and right ends of all lines within paragraphs are aligned.

4

To absolve, and declare to be free of blame or sin.

5

To give reasons for one’s actions; to make an argument to prove that one is in the right.

6

To prove; to ratify; to confirm.

7

To show (a person) to have had a sufficient legal reason for an act that has been made the subject of a charge or accusation.

8

To qualify (oneself) as a surety by taking oath to the ownership of sufficient property.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Rhymes

Words that share the same ending sound pattern

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing