just Meaning & Definition
What Does Just Mean?
Just is used as an adjective meaning Factually right, correct; factual. It is also used to mean Rationally right, correct. As an adverb, it means Only, simply, merely. As an interjection, it means Expressing dismay or discontent.
Quick Facts About Just
| Part of speech | adjective, adverb, interjection, noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /d͡ʒʌst/ |
| Synonyms | virtuous, good and fair |
| Antonyms | inequitable, unjust and unfair |
| Plural | justs |
| Comparative / superlative | juster, justest |
| Verb forms | justs, justing, justed |
Just Definition (Adjective)
- Factually right, correct; factual.
It is a just assessment of the facts.
- Rationally right, correct.
- Morally right; upright, righteous, equitable; fair.
It looks like a just solution at first glance.
- Proper, adequate.
Just as an Adverb
- Only, simply, merely.
Just plant a few tomatoes, unless you can freeze or dry them.
- Introduces a disappointing or surprising outcome that renders futile something previously mentioned.
I spent two hours cooking my favorite recipe, just to burn the rice and ruin the meal.
- Used to reduce the force of an imperative; simply.
Just follow the directions on the box.
- Used to increase the force of an imperative; simply, without questioning.
I'm tired of playing games – just get it done.
- Used to convey a less serious or formal tone. (Can we verify this sense?)
I just called to say "hi".
- Absolutely, positively.
It is just splendid!
- Barely, hardly, scarcely.
Moments ago, only very recently.
They just left, but you may leave a message at the desk.
- Moments ago, only very recently.
They just left, but you may leave a message at the desk.
- By a narrow margin; closely; narrowly; almost not.
The fastball just missed my head!
- Exactly, precisely, perfectly.
He wants everything just right for the big day.
Just as an Interjection
- Expressing dismay or discontent.
Just as a Noun
- A joust, tournament.
Just as a Verb
- To joust, fight a tournament.
Adverb
- (sentence adverb) Used to reduce the force of an imperative; simply.
Just follow the directions on the box.
- Used to convey a less serious or formal tone
I just called to say "hi".
- Used to show humility.
Lord, we just want to thank You and praise Your Name.
- (degree) absolutely, positively
It is just splendid!
- Moments ago, recently.
They just left, but you may leave a message at the desk.
- By a narrow margin; closely; nearly.
The fastball just missed my head!
Synonyms of Just
Antonyms of Just
Just in a Sentence
It is a just assessment of the facts.
It looks like a just solution at first glance.
Just plant a few tomatoes, unless you can freeze or dry them.
He calls it vermilion, but it's just red to me.
I spent two hours cooking my favorite recipe, just to burn the rice and ruin the meal.
I helped him out, just for him to betray me.
Just follow the directions on the box.
I'm tired of playing games – just get it done.
I just called to say "hi".
It is just splendid!
just fine
They just left, but you may leave a message at the desk.
The fastball just missed my head!
The fire department arrived just in time.
The piece just might fit.
He wants everything just right for the big day.
Lord, we just want to thank You and praise Your Name.
Word Forms & Grammar
just (comparative juster or more just, superlative justest or most just)
just (not comparable)
just
just (plural justs)
just (third-person singular simple present justs, present participle justing, simple past and past participle justed)
Words That Rhyme With Just
Origin of Just
Origin 1: From Middle English juste, from Old French juste, from Latin iūstus (“just, lawful, rightful, true, due, proper, moderate”), from Proto-Italic *jowestos, related to Latin iūs (“law, right”); ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂yew-. Compare Scots juist (“just”), Saterland Frisian juust (“just”), West Frisian just (“just”), Dutch juist (“just”), German Low German jüst (“jüst”), German just (“just”), Danish just (“just”), Swedish just (“just”). Doublet of giusto.
Origin 2: Variation of joust, presumably ultimately from Latin iuxta (“near, besides”).
Common Questions About Just
Is just an adjective or an adverb?
Just is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as an adverb, an interjection, a noun and a verb.
What is another word for just?
You can replace just with words such as virtuous, good and fair. See the full list of just synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of just?
Words opposite in meaning to just are inequitable, unjust and unfair.
What is the plural of just?
The plural of just is justs.
What is the past tense of just?
The past tense of just is justed. The present participle is justing.