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Just: meaning, definitions and examples

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just

 

[ dʒʌst ]

Adverb / Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

in a moment ago

Only a short time ago; only a moment ago.

Synonyms

lately, only, recently

Examples of usage

  • I just saw him a minute ago.
  • She left just a few moments ago.
Context #2 | Adverb

exactly or precisely

Used to emphasize that a particular thing is exactly or precisely what is stated.

Synonyms

exactly, exactly, precisely

Examples of usage

  • It's just what I wanted.
  • He's just the person I need for this job.
Context #3 | Adjective

based on justice or reason

Based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair.

Synonyms

equitable, fair, righteous

Examples of usage

  • He made a just decision.
  • They received a just punishment for their actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "just" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apenas

🇮🇳 केवल

🇩🇪 nur

🇮🇩 hanya

🇺🇦 просто

🇵🇱 tylko

🇯🇵 ただ

🇫🇷 juste

🇪🇸 solo

🇹🇷 sadece

🇰🇷 그냥

🇸🇦 فقط

🇨🇿 jen

🇸🇰 len

🇨🇳 只是

🇸🇮 samo

🇮🇸 bara

🇰🇿 тек

🇬🇪 მხოლოდ

🇦🇿 sadəcə

🇲🇽 solo

Etymology

The word 'just' originated from the Latin word 'iustus', meaning 'morally right, fair, equitable'. It has been used in the English language since the Middle English period, evolving to encompass various meanings such as 'only a short time ago', 'exactly or precisely', and 'based on justice or reason'. The word has been widely used in literature, law, and everyday language to convey ideas of fairness, accuracy, and timeliness.

See also: injustice, injustly, justice, justify, justly, unjust, unjustifiable, unjustly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #109, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.