Just

just

adjective

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

e.g. A just and democratic societyfighting for a just cause• 

(Of treatment) deserved or appropriate in the circumstances:

e.g. We all get our just deserts• 

(Of an opinion or appraisal) well founded; justifiable:

e.g. These simplistic approaches have been the subject of just criticism

adverb

1Exactly:

e.g. That’s just what I needyou’re a human being, just like everyone else• 

Exactly or almost exactly at this or that moment:

e.g. She’s just coming

e.g. We were just finishing breakfast

2Very recently; in the immediate past:

e.g. I’ve just seen the local paper

3Barely; by a little:

e.g. Inflation fell to just over 4 per cent

e.g. I only just caught the train

4Simply; only; no more than:

e.g. Just a bad day in the office they were just interested in making money• 

Really; absolutely (used for emphasis):

e.g. They’re just great• 

Used as a polite formula for giving permission or making a request:

e.g. Just help yourselves• 

[with modal] Possibly (used to indicate a slight chance of something happening or being true):

e.g. It might just help

5Expressing agreement:

e.g. 'Mohan really messed things up.’ ‘Didn’t he just?’

just: in phrases

just about

• informal Almost exactly; nearly:he can do just about anything

just as well

• A good or fortunate thing:it was just as well I didn’t know at the time

just a minute (or moment, or second, etc.)

Used to ask someone to wait or pause for a short time:j

e.g. Just a minute—my friend’s left something behind• 

Used to interrupt someone, especially in protest or disagreement:‘T

e.g. 'They know what to do.’ ‘Now just a moment!’ the American interrupted

just now

1At this moment: it’s pretty hectic just now

2A little time ago: she was talking to me just now

3South African In a little while; very soon:I’ll come just now but I want breakfast first

just on

• (With reference to time and numbers) exactly:

e.g. It was just on midnight

just so

1Arranged or done very neatly and carefully:polishing the furniture and making everything just so

2formal Used to express agreement:‘And to limit the hours,’ Jasper added. ‘Just so.’