A stated justification or righteous cause for an action or policy; sometimes used with the nuance of a pretext to legitimize conduct.
政府はその軍事行動に大義名分を示そうとした。
The government tried to present a justification for that military action.
表向きの大義名分と実際の目的が異なることもある。
The stated justification and the real objective can sometimes differ.
A duty to one's country, sovereign, or a higher cause — a moral or political justification that obliges action.
武士は主君への大義名分に従うことを重んじた。
Samurai valued acting according to their duty to their lord.
指導者は大義名分を掲げて国民の支持を得ようとした。
The leader tried to gain public support by proclaiming a national duty.