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PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Justify"

To sign "justify," start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Form a flat handshape with your dominant hand and place it near your cheek or mouth, with the palm facing sideways. Bring your dominant hand down and forward, landing it flat on top of your non-dominant palm.

Examples Using "Justify" in a Sentence

1

Can you justify your decision?

Sign this by asking the person to provide their reasoning. Use the sign for 'justify' with a slight forward lean and raised eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question, or furrowed eyebrows if asking 'how' or 'why' they justify it.

2

I don't need to justify myself.

When signing this, use a firm headshake to emphasize the negative. The downward motion of the 'justify' sign can be slightly sharper here to show confidence and boundary-setting.

3

The results justify the cost.

Here, 'justify' acts as the bridge between the results and the cost. Make sure your dominant hand lands firmly on your non-dominant palm to visually represent that the proof is solid and undeniable.

How to Sign "Justify"
To sign "justify," start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Form a flat handshape with your dominant hand and place it near your cheek or mouth, with the palm facing sideways. Bring your dominant hand down and forward, landing it flat on top of your non-dominant palm.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is the same as the sign for 'prove' or 'evidence.' The visual logic represents taking a thought, idea, or spoken word (originating near the head or mouth) and laying it out flat on the table (the non-dominant hand) for everyone to see clearly. It shows presenting the facts openly.
Signing Tips
Ensure your non-dominant hand remains stable and flat like a platform throughout the sign. The movement of your dominant hand should be deliberate and firm as it lands, conveying the strength of providing proof or justification. Keep your facial expressions aligned with the context—if you are demanding justification, furrow your eyebrows slightly.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is clapping the hands together too forcefully, which can look aggressive rather than explanatory. Another mistake is starting the dominant hand too low; make sure it starts up near the cheek or mouth before moving down to the non-dominant hand.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Justify" in a Sentence
1

Can you justify your decision?

Sign this by asking the person to provide their reasoning. Use the sign for 'justify' with a slight forward lean and raised eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question, or furrowed eyebrows if asking 'how' or 'why' they justify it.

2

I don't need to justify myself.

When signing this, use a firm headshake to emphasize the negative. The downward motion of the 'justify' sign can be slightly sharper here to show confidence and boundary-setting.

3

The results justify the cost.

Here, 'justify' acts as the bridge between the results and the cost. Make sure your dominant hand lands firmly on your non-dominant palm to visually represent that the proof is solid and undeniable.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'justify' the same as 'prove'?

Yes, in ASL, 'justify,' 'prove,' and 'evidence' often share the exact same sign. The specific meaning is understood through the context of your sentence and your facial expressions.

Does it matter which hand I use as the base?

Yes, you should always use your non-dominant hand as the stationary base with the palm facing up. Your dominant hand should be the active hand that moves from your face down to the base hand.

How hard should my dominant hand land on my base hand?

It should be a firm, deliberate placement, but not a loud smack. You want to convey the solid nature of a justification or proof without looking angry or overly aggressive.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!