just

just · adverb

imported

Definitions

adverb

  1. 1.

    A very short time ago; moments before.

  2. 2.

    Exactly; precisely.

  3. 3.

    Only; merely.

  4. 4.

    Barely; by a small margin.

  5. 5.

    Simply; really.

  6. 6.

    Possibly; perhaps.

  7. 7.

    Based on what is morally right and fair.

  8. 8.

    Well-founded; deserved.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    just about — almost; nearly
  • •
    just now — a moment ago
  • •
    just in case — as a precaution
  • •
    just the same — nevertheless
  • •
    just so — exactly right
  • •
    just as well — equally acceptable

Related words

See also: exactly, justice, merely, only
Synonyms: exactly, merely, only, simply

Etymology

From Old French "juste" (just, righteous), from Latin "justus" (upright, righteous, equitable), from "jus" (right, law). The adverbial senses developed from the adjective meaning "exact, precise" and later "merely, only."