feel justified

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel justified" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of moral or logical correctness in a certain decision or action. Example: "After carefully considering all the evidence, I feel justified in my decision to terminate the employee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pakistanis feel justified in punishing Dr Afridi.

The Economist

They feel justified in whacking off a month or two.

The Art of Designing Embedded Systems

You could stonewall these people and still feel justified.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's one he can feel justified in perfecting.

The New York Times

Might they even make bullies and weight bigots feel justified?

The Washington Post

"Then they'll feel justified in confiscating our guns".

The New York Times

I'd fight any scene that doesn't feel justified.

The Guardian

Students who cheat often feel justified in what they are doing.

Stanford University

You might feel justified in voicing an initial concern – but don't go on about it.

Independent

And if President Obama takes this position, his successors will feel justified in doing likewise.

The New York Times

They both also have popular mandates, and so feel justified in defying each other.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel justified" to express a reasoned and thoughtful conviction, avoiding contexts where it might imply arrogance or a lack of empathy.

Common error

Avoid using "feel justified" too frequently when rationalizing personal actions that might be perceived as selfish or unethical, as it can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel justified" functions as a subjective assessment of one's actions or beliefs, indicating a sense of moral or logical correctness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses a feeling of being in the right. Examples in Ludwig show this is applied to diverse scenarios, like justifying a decision or an opinion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel justified" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a sense of validation in one's actions or beliefs. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes a feeling of moral or logical correctness. While frequently used in news, science, and academic contexts, it's important to consider the context and audience, as overuse or misuse can lead to misinterpretations. Alternative phrases like ""feel vindicated"" or ""believe one is in the right"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel vindicated

Focuses on being cleared of blame or suspicion and being proven correct.

consider actions defensible

Indicates the belief that actions can be justified with reasoning or evidence.

believe one is in the right

Focuses on the conviction of moral or legal correctness.

believe it's the right thing to do

Highlights the belief in the moral or ethical correctness of an action.

consider oneself vindicated

Emphasizes being proven right after doubt or opposition.

be convinced of one's rectitude

Stresses an unwavering belief in one's moral uprightness.

deem oneself blameless

Highlights the lack of responsibility or guilt for a negative outcome.

find oneself morally sound

Focuses on the feeling of being ethically correct and reasonable.

have a clear conscience

Highlights the absence of guilt and the comfort derived from righteous action.

sense entitlement

Implies a belief in deserving something, often without necessarily earning it.

FAQs

How can I use "feel justified" in a sentence?

You can use "feel justified" to express a sense of having valid reasons for a particular belief or action. For example, "After reviewing the evidence, I "feel justified" in making this decision."

What are some alternatives to "feel justified"?

Alternatives include "feel vindicated", "believe one is in the right", or "consider actions defensible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to say I "feel justified"?

While grammatically correct, using "feel justified" can sometimes sound defensive or self-righteous. Consider the context and your audience to ensure it doesn't come across negatively. In some instances alternatives like "I believe my actions were reasonable" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "feel justified" and "sense entitlement"?

"Feel justified" implies a reasoned assessment leading to a feeling of correctness, while "sense entitlement" suggests a belief in deserving something without necessarily earning it or having a valid reason.