Definition Definition

just - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'just' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Just [ a.]
- Conforming or conformable to rectitude or justice; not doing wrong to any; violating no right or obligation; upright; righteous; honest; true; -- said both of persons and things.
- Not transgressing the requirement of truth and propriety; conformed to the truth of things, to reason, or to a proper standard; exact; normal; reasonable; regular; due; as, a just statement; a just inference.
- Rendering or disposed to render to each one his due; equitable; fair; impartial; as, just judge.
2 . Just [ adv.]
- Precisely; exactly; -- in place, time, or degree; neither more nor less than is stated.
- Closely; nearly; almost.
- Barely; merely; scarcely; only; by a very small space or time; as, he just missed the train; just too late.
3 . Just [ n.]
- A joust.
4 . Just [ v. i.]
- To joust.

Meaning of 'just' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . just [ a]
Meaning (1):
- free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
Example in sentence:
  • a fair fight;
  • a fair referee;
  • by fair means or foul;
  • fair deal;
  • on a fair footing
Meaning (2):
- used especially of what is legally or ethically right or proper or fitting
Example in sentence:
  • a just and lasting peace;
  • a just reward;
  • a kind and just man;
  • his just inheritance
Meaning (3):
- fair to all parties as dictated by reason and conscience
Example in sentence:
  • an equitable distribution of gifts among the children;
  • equitable treatment of all citizens
4 . just [ r]
Meaning (4):
- only a very short time before
Example in sentence:
  • had scarcely rung the bell when the door flew open;
  • we hardly knew them;
  • would have scarce arrived before she would have found some excuse to leave
Meaning (5):
- by a little
Example in sentence:
  • he finished the marathon in just under 3 hours;
  • I only just caught the bus;
  • it was barely 5 a.m.;
  • the batter just missed being hit;
  • the network has barely 5 percent of viewers
Meaning (6):
- only a moment ago
Example in sentence:
  • he has just arrived;
  • the sun just now came out
Meaning (7):
- indicating exactness or preciseness
Example in sentence:
  • he was doing precisely (or exactly) what she had told him to do;
  • it has just enough salt;
  • it was just as he said--the jewel was gone;
  • Properly speaking, all true work is religion.
Meaning (8):
- (used for emphasis) absolutely
Example in sentence:
  • he was just grand as Romeo;
  • I just can't take it anymore;
  • it's simply beautiful!
Meaning (9):
- and nothing more
Example in sentence:
  • he was only a child;
  • hopes that last but a moment;
  • I was merely asking;
  • it is simply a matter of time;
  • just a scratch
Meaning (10):
- possibly (indicating a slight chance of something being true)
Example in sentence:
  • it might just happen
Meaning (11):
- exactly at this moment or the moment described
Example in sentence:
  • we've just finished painting the walls, so don't touch them
12 . just [ s]
Meaning (12):
- of moral excellence
Example in sentence:
  • a genuinely good person;
  • a just cause;
  • an upright and respectable man