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정당화 — meaning in English: justification

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Guess the translation for justification
변경
byeongyeong
사역
sayeog
추정
chujeong
정당화
jeongdanghwa
동공
dong
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formal common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use '정당화' in discussions related to ethics, law, and personal responsibility. For instance, during a debate on moral dilemmas, someone might seek to '정당화' their actions when faced with criticism, or in a legal context, a lawyer may strive to '정당화' their client's decisions in court.
Synonyms & nuances
While '정당화' refers specifically to the act of justifying actions or beliefs, another word like '합리화' (hamrihwa) leans more towards rationalization, which can imply a less genuine justification. You would choose '정당화' when you want to convey a sense of moral or ethical grounding rather than mere excuses.
Culture
'정당화' derives from the verb '정당하다', meaning 'to be just' or 'to be right', reflecting a deep-rooted cultural emphasis on morality and justice in Korean society. In South Korea, political discussions often feature this term as citizens evaluate the justification for government actions, linking to the broader societal values of accountability and transparency.
FAQ
Q.What does '정당화' mean in English?
'정당화' translates to 'justification' in English, referring to the act of providing a valid reason for an action or belief.
Q.How do you use '정당화' in a sentence?
You can use '정당화' in sentences like, '그의 행동을 정당화할 수 없었다' which means 'I could not justify his actions.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using '정당화'?
A common mistake is confusing '정당화' with '합리화'. Ensure you're using '정당화' when you mean to validate an ethical stance, rather than providing a mere rationalization.
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