retfærdiggøres

Retfærdiggøres is the present passive form of the Danish verb retfærdiggøre, meaning to justify. It is used to indicate that something is being justified or that justification is being asserted. In English this corresponds to “is justified” or “is being justified.” The construction is common in formal or analytical writing, where the focus is on the justification of a decision, action, or claim.

Etymology and grammar: retfærdiggøre is a compound verb formed from ret (right, just) and færdiggøre (to complete or finish). Together they convey making something right or just. The passive form retfærdiggøres places the emphasis on the justification itself rather than on who provides it. The agent of justification, when stated, typically follows the preposition af (by) or med (with), e.g., retfærdiggøres af beviser (is justified by evidence).

Usage and context: The term is primarily used in formal, legal, political, academic, or argumentative contexts. For example, Beslutningen retfærdiggøres af data and argumenter. It can also appear in discussions about policy, ethics, or procedures where the validity of a claim or action is under scrutiny.

Related terms: The noun form retfærdiggørelse means justification; begrundelse means reason or justification; berettigelse denotes entitlement or justification in the sense of being rightful. Retfærdiggøres should not be confused with berettiget or berettigelse, which describe being justified or entitled rather than the act of justifying.