just

The definition of just is fair or right.

(adjective)

An example of just is proper, lawful punishment for a crime.

Just is defined as right before or merely.

(adverb)

  1. An example of just is a boy entering the school immediately prior to the late bell ringing.
  2. An example of just is working only a few hours per week.

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See just in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. right or fair; equitable; impartial: a just decision
  2. righteous; upright: a just man
  3. deserved; merited: just praise
  4. legally right; lawful; rightful
  5. proper, fitting, etc.: a just balance of colors
  6. well-founded; reasonable: a just suspicion
  7. correct or true: a just report
  8. accurate; exact: a just measure

Origin: ME < OFr juste < L justus, lawful, rightful, proper < jus, right, law: see jury

adverb

  1. neither more nor less than; precisely; exactly: just one o'clock
  2. almost at the point of; nearly: just preparing to leave
  3. no more than; only: just a taste, just teasing you
  4. by a very small amount; barely: to just miss a train
  5. a very short time ago: she has just left
  6. immediately: just east of the church
  7. Informal quite; really: to feel just fine

Related Forms:

noun, intransitive verb

joust

See just in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Honorable and fair in one's dealings and actions: a just ruler. See Synonyms at fair1.
  2. Consistent with what is morally right; righteous: a just cause.
  3. Properly due or merited: just deserts.
  4. Law Valid within the law; lawful: just claims.
  5. Suitable or proper in nature; fitting: a just touch of solemnity.
  6. Based on fact or sound reason; well-founded: a just appraisal.
adverb (jəst, jĭst; jŭst when stressed)
  1. Precisely; exactly: just enough salt.
  2. Only a moment ago: He just arrived.
  3. By a narrow margin; barely: just missed being hit; just caught the bus before it pulled away.
  4. At a little distance: just down the road.
  5. Merely; only: just a scratch.
  6. Simply; certainly: It's just beautiful!
  7. Perhaps; possibly: I just may go.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English juste

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin iūstus; see yewes- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • justˈly adverb
  • justˈness noun

noun & v.
Variant of joust.

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