just
just
Pronunciation
Just
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /dʒʌst/
Syllable 1: /dʒʌst/
/dʒ/ as in "judge" (voiced palato-alveolar affricate)
/ʌ/ as in "cup" (short low-mid back unrounded vowel)
/s/ as in "hiss" (voiceless alveolar fricative)
/t/ as in "top" (voiceless alveolar stop)
Word Form Variations
"Just" is highly versatile and can function as an adverb, adjective, or less commonly, a noun or verb. Its variations depend heavily on its part of speech.
Adverb:
Base form: just (no comparative/superlative forms)
Adjective:
Base form: just
Comparative: more just
Superlative: most just
Noun:
Singular: just (very rare, usually within a fixed phrase like "the just")
Plural: justs (extremely rare, refers to people who are just)
Verb: (Only in derived forms like "justify")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Exactly; precisely; no more than. Used to emphasize exactness or to restrict the meaning of what follows.
Synonyms: exactly, precisely, merely, only, simply, purely, solely
Antonyms: approximately, roughly, almost, nearly, more than
A very short time ago; recently.
Synonyms: recently, lately, a moment ago, just now, a little while ago
Antonyms: long ago, previously, formerly, already
Simply; merely; only for the reason specified. Used to indicate that something is no more than what is specified.
Synonyms: simply, merely, only, purely, solely
Antonyms: extensively, completely, entirely, complexly
Used to add emphasis to a statement, often indicating a consequence or strong feeling.
Examples of use: "I just love this song!" "She just stood there."
Synonyms: really, truly, absolutely, simply (for emphasis)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; its function is emphatic.)
Adjective
Based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair; equitable.
Synonyms: fair, equitable, impartial, unbiased, honest, upright, righteous, moral
Antonyms: unfair, unjust, biased, prejudiced, immoral, dishonest, wrong
Lawful; legitimate; in accordance with the law or proper procedure.
Synonyms: legal, lawful, legitimate, valid, rightful
Antonyms: illegal, unlawful, illegitimate, unjust (in the sense of not lawful)
Well-deserved; deserved or merited.
Synonyms: deserved, merited, rightful, due, appropriate, fitting
Antonyms: undeserved, unmerited, inappropriate, unjust
Noun
(Usually "the just") People who are righteous or morally upright; those who act fairly.
Synonyms: the righteous, the upright, the virtuous
Antonyms: the unjust, the wicked, the immoral
Examples of Use
Books:
"The creature was just beyond the reach of his trembling hand, a shadow against the moonlit forest." (From a fictional novel, generic example, meaning "barely")
"A truly just society values equity and compassion above all else." (From a philosophy text or sociological study, generic example, meaning "fair")
"She had just left the house when the phone rang." (From a narrative, generic example, meaning "recently")
Newspapers:
"The new tax policy aims to create a more just economic system for all citizens." (From a political commentary or editorial, generic example, meaning "fair")
"Prices have just begun to stabilize after weeks of volatility in the stock market." (From a business section, generic example, meaning "recently" or "only now")
"The report highlights the urgent need for a just transition away from fossil fuels." (From an environmental news article, generic example, meaning "equitable" or "fair")
Online Publications:
"Why it's just as important to rest as it is to work hard." (From a self-improvement blog, e.g., Psychology Today Online, meaning "equally" or "simply")
"We've just launched our new online course; enroll today!" (From a company announcement or educational platform, e.g., Coursera, meaning "recently")
"This new viral video is just what we needed for a laugh today." (From a pop culture or humor site, e.g., Reddit, meaning "exactly")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I'm just getting started." (Common line in action movies or thrillers, generic example)
Television Series: "You can't just walk in here and demand answers!" (Dialogue from a drama or crime show, generic example, meaning "simply" or "without consequence")
Music (Song Lyrics): "Just the two of us, we can make it if we try." (From "Just the Two of Us" by Bill Withers)
Video Games: "I've just completed the tutorial; now the real game begins." (In-game dialogue or narration, generic example)
Podcasts: "Our guest just published a groundbreaking paper on the intersection of AI and ethics." (From an academic or science podcast, generic example, meaning "recently")
General Public Discourse:
"I just finished my workout." (Common casual statement, meaning "recently")
"Could you just hand me that book, please?" (Common polite request, meaning "simply" or "merely")
"That's just what I needed!" (Common expression of satisfaction or exactness)
"It's just not fair!" (Common complaint, meaning "not equitable")
"He's just being silly." (Common descriptive statement, meaning "only" or "simply")
10 Famous Quotes Using Just
“I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” — Julia Roberts as Anna Scott, Notting Hill (1999)
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.” (Often paraphrased with “Just do what you feel…”) — Eleanor Roosevelt
“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” — Benjamin Franklin (Frequently cited with “just” as in “not just served…”)
“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.” — Proverb (often quoted in inspirational contexts)
“We can do no great things — only small things with great love. Just love.” — Mother Teresa
“I’m just trying to matter.” — June Jordan, poet and activist
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. Just enjoy it.” — Dr. Seuss
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
“I’m not a genius. I’m just a hard-working guy.” — Brian Wilson, of The Beach Boys
“Just because something works doesn’t mean it can’t be improved.” — Shuri, Black Panther (2018)
Etymology
The word "just" has a long and interesting history, with its different meanings branching off from a core idea of "rightness" or "exactness."
Both the adjective "just" (meaning fair/righteous) and the adverb "just" (meaning exactly/recently) ultimately come from the same Latin root:
It originates from the Latin word "justus." This word meant "upright," "equitable," "lawful," "proper," or "right." It comes from "jus" (or "ius"), which meant "law" or "right" (the same root that gives us words like "justice" and "jury").
This Latin "justus" then made its way into Old French as "juste," carrying the same senses of "righteous, lawful, correct."
Both the adjective "just" and the adverb "just" entered Middle English around the late 13th century (specifically by 1290).
The first known use and meaning of the adjective "just" was "righteous, equitable, acting in conformity with law or divine law." It was about fairness and moral correctness.
The first known use and meaning of the adverb "just" was "exactly, precisely, equally." This came from the idea of "justus" as being perfectly aligned or accurate. For example, "just enough" meant "exactly enough."
The sense of "just" meaning "a very short time ago" (as in "I just arrived") developed later, around the 15th century, evolving from the adverbial sense of "exactly" or "barely." The core idea of something being precisely right or having occurred at a precise point in time ties these meanings together.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Just
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "just," supplemented as needed:
Just in time: Arriving or happening at the last possible moment.
Just about: Almost; nearly.
Just kidding: Used to indicate that what was said was a joke.
Just for kicks: For fun or excitement, without any serious purpose.
Just the ticket: Exactly what is needed or desired.
Just deserts: A punishment or reward that is deserved.
Just a thought: Used to offer an idea tentatively.
Just around the corner: Very close in time or distance.
Just what the doctor ordered: Exactly what is needed or beneficial.
Just so: Precisely arranged or correct.
Fair and square: Honestly and justly. (Synonymous with the adjective "just")
Precisely right: Exactly correct. (Synonymous with the adverb "just")
Only a moment ago: Very recently. (Synonymous with the adverb "just")
Simply put: Stated in a straightforward manner. (Synonymous with the adverb "just")
Equity reigns: Fairness and justice prevail. (Original phrase, reflecting the adjective "just")
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of just from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
