Meaning & Definition of Just in English

1. Used especially of what is legally or ethically right or proper or fitting

• "A just and lasting peace"- a.lincoln

• "A kind and just man"

• "A just reward"

• "His just inheritance"

2. Fair to all parties as dictated by reason and conscience

• "Equitable treatment of all citizens"

• "An equitable distribution of gifts among the children"

3. Free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception

• Conforming with established standards or rules

• "A fair referee"

• "Fair deal"

• "On a fair footing"

• "A fair fight"

• "By fair means or foul"

4. Of moral excellence

• "A genuinely good person"

• "A just cause"

• "An upright and respectable man"

1. And nothing more

• "I was merely asking"

• "It is simply a matter of time"

• "Just a scratch"

• "He was only a child"

• "Hopes that last but a moment"

2. Indicating exactness or preciseness

• "He was doing precisely (or exactly) what she had told him to do"

• "It was just as he said--the jewel was gone"

• "It has just enough salt"

3. Only a moment ago

• "He has just arrived"

• "The sun just now came out"

4. Absolutely

• "I just can't take it anymore"

• "He was just grand as romeo"

• "It's simply beautiful!"

5. Only a very short time before

• "They could barely hear the speaker"

• "We hardly knew them"

• "Just missed being hit"

• "Had scarcely rung the bell when the door flew open"

• "Would have scarce arrived before she would have found some excuse to leave"- w.b.yeats

6. Exactly at this moment or the moment described

• "We've just finished painting the walls, so don't touch them"