Word: Just

Pronunciation

/dʒʌst/

Definitions

• Adjective: Fair or right; equitable or impartial. Example: “It’s only just that he receives credit for his hard work.”
• Adverb: 1. Very recently; a moment ago. Example: “I just finished my homework.” 2. Exactly or precisely. Example: “The clock struck twelve just as he arrived.” 3. By a narrow margin; barely. Example: “We just managed to catch the train.” 4. Only or merely; simply. Example: “It’s just a small mistake, nothing to worry about.” 5. In the immediate past or present. Example: “I was just thinking the same thing.” 6. Used to emphasize the truth or accuracy of something. Example: “Just as I suspected, he wasn’t telling the truth.”

Phrases

• “Just because”: Expressing that something should not be done solely on the grounds stated. Example: “Don’t do it just because everyone else is doing it.”
• “Just in case”: As a precautionary measure. Example: “I took an umbrella with me just in case it rained.”
• “Just so”: Exactly as specified or required; precisely. Example: “She wanted everything arranged just so.”

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “The judge was praised for her just decision-making.”
• Adverb: “She woke up just as the sun began to rise.”

Synonyms

• Adjective: Fair, righteous, equitable
• Adverb: Recently, moments ago, barely, exactly, merely, simply, only, scarcely