Words / C2

VIND-ik-ayt/ˈvɪndɪkeɪt/

To vindicate is to show that someone or a claim was right after doubt: vindicate a decision, feel vindicated. Justify is give reasons (can be beforehand); acquit is a court finding. Vindictive means spiteful — a vicious mix-up. Indicate is point to. Do not vindicate a plan that has not been tested.

Meaning

To show that someone or an idea was right after doubt or criticism.

Examples

• “The retest vindicated the original markers.”
• “The retest vindicated the original markers and annoyed the blog.”
• “A vindictive email is revenge; a vindicated researcher was proved right.”

Good to know

Prove right after doubt. Mix-up: vindictive (spiteful); indicate (point to). Court cousin: acquit. Beforehand reasons: justify.

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