Words / C1

WOR-uh-nt/ˈwɒrənt/

As a verb, warrant means be a good enough reason for: the delay does not warrant a full refund. Justify is close; deserve is more moral and everyday. Warrant attention / further study are academic collocations. As a noun, a warrant is a legal document (a search warrant) — a different sense. In speech, does not call for or is not worth is plainer.

Meaning

To make something necessary or appropriate; to justify.

Examples

• “The delay does not warrant a full refund.”
• “One complaint does not warrant closing the whole site.”
• “The new figures warrant a second look, not a panic.”

Good to know

warrant + noun (a response). Formal for justify / call for. Noun: legal warrant — different sense.

Near in meaning

justify

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