Word
just
Meanings
fair and morally right; reasonable and impartial
exactly; precisely; no more than what is needed
very recently; only a short time ago
Definition
Just means fair, morally right, or based on good reasons.
Just most often describes something that is fair and reasonable, especially in decisions, rules, or treatment of people. It can also mean that something is exactly correct or appropriate in a particular situation. In everyday speech, it is often used to soften what you say or to show that something happened very recently.
Examples
- Her manager made a just decision after hearing everyone’s concerns in full.
- The box is just big enough to hold the camera without crushing the lens.
- I just saw your message and I’ll reply as soon as I finish this meeting.
- They were just about to leave when the announcement changed their plans.
Common mistake
Learners often overuse just in formal writing where a more precise word (such as only, exactly, or fair) would be clearer.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.