just
just — noun
1. people who live according to what is fair, honest, and morally good, considered
people who live according to what is fair, honest, and morally good, considered as a group
The charity works tirelessly to support the just and the needy in the community.
plural noun, always with 'the'
Mayor Defne often said that a fair society must protect the just as well as punish the guilty.
contrastive pattern: the just vs. the guilty
In the old folktale, the just were rewarded for their honesty while the dishonest suffered.
The organisation was founded to defend the just when ordinary laws fail them.
collocation: defend the just
Many ancient writings promise that the just will find peace after a life of hardship.
- the just
- protect the just
- reward the just
- defend the just
- the just and the unjust
- the righteous
more religious in tone; used in moral or spiritual contexts
- the virtuous
emphasises personal moral excellence and good character
- the good
more general and informal; used in everyday language
- the unjust
direct opposite — those who act unfairly or dishonestly
- the wicked
stronger moral condemnation, implying evil intent
Grammar Patterns
the just + plural verb
Usage Note
This noun form is always plural and must be preceded by 'the'. It cannot refer to a single individual — use 'a just person' instead. The opposite group is 'the unjust' or 'the wicked'.
Common Mistakes
just — adjective
1. treating people in a fair and morally right way, giving each person what they de
treating people in a fair and morally right way, giving each person what they deserve
The judge made a just decision when she gave both sides a chance to explain.
attributive: just + decision / ruling
Many people believe that a just society is one where everyone has enough to live on.
just + society for describing an ideal
The company's just policy gave all workers the same pay for the same work.
attributive: just + policy / system
Élise felt that the punishment was just because her brother had broken a window.
predicative: be + just (of punishment)
Christopher argued that a just leader must listen to the opinions of everyone.
- just decision
- just society
- just law
- just punishment
- just system
- just reward
- just cause
- just outcome
- fair
more common and less formal; the everyday word for equal treatment
- equitable
more formal, specifically about fair distribution or treatment of groups
- righteous
emphasises moral virtue, often in religious or ideological contexts
- impartial
focuses on not favouring one side over another, especially in judging
Grammar Patterns
just + noun (decision / society / law / system)
be + just
Usage Note
Often used before nouns such as 'decision', 'society', 'law', 'punishment', or 'system'. More formal than the common synonym 'fair'. Do not confuse this adjective with the adverb 'just', which has very different meanings (e.g., 'just now', 'just a little').
Common Mistakes
just — adverb
1. at the very moment when something is happening right now or is about to take pla
at the very moment when something is happening right now or is about to take place very soon.
Hoa was just about to leave for work when the power went out.
just + be about to (immediate future)
The train is just pulling into the station, so please wait a moment.
just + present continuous (now)
Bilal is just stepping outside for some fresh air and will be right back.
just + present continuous — action at the moment of speaking
Hugo is just getting out of the shower and will be ready in five minutes.
- just about to
- just coming
- just arriving
- just finishing
- right now
more specific to the present moment rather than future or past
- presently
more formal and slightly old-fashioned
- immediately
stronger — suggests no delay at all
Grammar Patterns
just + present continuous (for now/near future)
just + be about to (for immediate future)
just + simple past (for recent past)
Usage Note
Frequently appears with continuous tenses (I am just doing…) to describe an action at the exact moment of speaking, or with be about to (I am just about to…) for an action that will happen in the next few seconds. This sense is broader than sense 2 (RECENT PAST) and sense 3 (PRESENT MOMENT); it covers the full immediate time window.
Common Mistakes
2. only a very short while before the present moment — usually seconds or minutes a
only a very short while before the present moment — usually seconds or minutes ago, not hours or days.
Erik just finished washing the dishes, so the kitchen is still wet.
just + past simple for recent action
Karim has just called to say that he will be ten minutes late.
just + present perfect (British style)
Soraya just heard a loud noise coming from the garage outside.
Allison has just posted the photos from the trip on her blog.
- just finished
- just left
- just arrived
- just started
- just heard
- recently
broader — can mean hours, days, or weeks ago
- a moment ago
more explicit about the short time, but less common in everyday speech
- long ago
refers to the distant past
Grammar Patterns
just + past simple (American English)
just + present perfect (British English)
Usage Note
In British English the present perfect is preferred (I have just eaten), while American English commonly uses the simple past (I just ate). In either variety, 'just' emphasises that the time gap is very short — typically less than a few minutes. Distinguish from sense 1 (IMMEDIATE TIME), which can also express the immediate future or present.
Common Mistakes
3. at this exact moment in time, used especially when someone is in the middle of d
at this exact moment in time, used especially when someone is in the middle of doing something and may need a moment to finish.
Sana is just putting the baby to sleep, so please call her later.
just + present continuous for an action in progress
Romi is just checking the last few numbers before she submits the report.
Élise is just tidying up her desk before she leaves for the day.
Padma is just heating up some soup for lunch — would you like some too?
- just putting
- just checking
- just getting
- just making
- just preparing
- currently
more formal; does not imply the action will finish soon
Grammar Patterns
just + present continuous
Usage Note
Always takes a continuous tense (present or past), never a simple tense. The action is typically something the speaker is currently busy with and will finish soon. This sense is narrower than sense 1 (IMMEDIATE TIME) — it describes the present moment only, not the near future or recent past.
Common Mistakes
4. in a way that is exactly correct or precise, with no difference or doubt.
in a way that is exactly correct or precise, with no difference or doubt.
The train arrives at just half past seven, so do not be late.
just + time expression for exactness
This blanket is just as soft as the one my grandmother made years ago.
just as + adjective + as (comparison of equality)
Felipe measured the shelf and the board was just sixty centimetres long.
This recipe needs just three eggs — not four, not two, but three.
- just as...as
- just enough
- just the right
- just in time
- just like
- approximately
means close to but not exactly
- roughly
suggests an estimate, not precision
Grammar Patterns
just + number / time expression
just as + adjective + as
Usage Note
Common with time expressions ('just two o'clock', 'just half past three'), measurements ('just enough', 'just one metre'), and the comparative structure 'just as…as' to show that two things are equal in some way. Unlike sense 5 (ONLY), this sense emphasises exactness, not limitation.
Common Mistakes
5. used to say that something is nothing more or less than what you are describing
used to say that something is nothing more or less than what you are describing — often to make it seem less important or serious.
It was just a small scratch on the table — nothing serious at all.
just + noun phrase (downplaying)
Tomás was just trying to be helpful when he offered to drive everyone home.
Ziad just asked a simple question — there is no reason to get upset about it.
just + verb (limiting the significance)
Mira was just joking when she said the cake tasted like cardboard.
- just a
- just trying
- just asking
- just wondering
- just kidding
- very
adds emphasis rather than reducing it
Grammar Patterns
just + noun phrase
just + verb
just + adjective
Usage Note
Often used to soften or minimise a situation, especially in polite requests ('I was just wondering…') or apologies ('It was just a joke'). This sense is distinct from sense 6 (EMPHASIS) — sense 5 reduces the force of a statement, while sense 6 strengthens it. Compare: 'I was just asking' (minimising) versus 'Just ask her!' (urging action).
Common Mistakes
6. used before a command, request, or statement to make it stronger, more urgent, o
used before a command, request, or statement to make it stronger, more urgent, or more determined.
Just tell me the truth about what happened — I will not get angry.
just + imperative (urging action)
Sofie thought the performance was just wonderful, and she clapped for a long time.
You must just try this chocolate cake that Allison baked this morning.
just + imperative/statement for strong recommendation
Just imagine — a whole week at the beach with nothing to do but swim!
- just do
- just try
- just tell
- just wonderful
- just perfect
- just great
- simply
can be used in the same position, but sounds less forceful: 'Simply tell the truth.'
- absolutely
used before adjectives ('absolutely wonderful'), not imperatives
Grammar Patterns
just + imperative
just + noun phrase (exclamation)
just + statement (for emphasis)
Usage Note
Highly common in spoken English to add emotion — impatience ('Just hurry up!'), enthusiasm ('It was just amazing!'), or firm advice ('Just be yourself.'). In writing, it appears most often in dialogue, instructions, or informal messages. This sense is the opposite of sense 5 (ONLY) in its effect: sense 5 reduces the force of a statement, while this sense increases it.
Common Mistakes
7. employed before a verb to make what you say seem less direct or forceful, often
employed before a verb to make what you say seem less direct or forceful, often when you are making a polite request or giving an excuse
I just wanted to ask if you are free for coffee this afternoon.
just + wanted to — polite request softener
Noa said she was just trying to help, not to cause any trouble.
just + trying to — soft excuse
It is just that I am not sure we have enough time to finish it.
it's just that — hedging before an objection
Daniel just wondered if you had a moment to look over his report.
- just wanted to
- just trying to
- just thought I would
- it's just that
Grammar Patterns
just + verb phrase (politeness strategy)
Usage Note
Common in first-person statements to soften requests or opinions. The alternative 'only' can sound dismissive in this context — prefer 'just' for politeness.
Common Mistakes
8. achieving something or reaching a desired state with very little room to spare;
achieving something or reaching a desired state with very little room to spare; only narrowly managing to do something
Nikhil could just reach the top shelf if he stood on his tiptoes.
just + verb of reaching — narrow physical margin
The car just fitted into the narrow parking space between the two vans.
Kemi was just in time to catch the last train before it left the station.
just in time — barely avoiding being late
The old chair just held Valentina's weight before one leg cracked.
- just fit
- just reach
- just catch
- just make
- just in time
- just enough
- easily
suggests no difficulty at all
- comfortably
suggests plenty of room or time
Grammar Patterns
just + verb (narrowly)
Usage Note
Position is directly before the main verb (not before an auxiliary): 'I just caught the bus' — not 'I did just catch the bus' for this sense. Compare with 'almost': 'just' means you succeeded narrowly; 'almost' means you failed narrowly.
Common Mistakes
9. used with a modal verb to show that something has a small but real possibility o
used with a modal verb to show that something has a small but real possibility of happening or being true, especially when it seems unlikely
If we hurry, we may just catch the last ferry to the island.
may + just + verb — slight possibility
The new treatment is experimental, but it might just save her life.
Élise thought her plan could just work if everyone agreed to help.
could + just + work — uncertain but possible
With a bit of luck, we could just arrive before the ceremony starts.
- may just
- might just
- could just
Grammar Patterns
modal + just + verb (possibility)
Usage Note
Must be paired with a modal verb (may, might, could) — 'just' sits between the modal and the main verb. Not used with 'will' or 'shall' for this sense. Often carries a tone of cautious hope or resigned realism.
Common Mistakes
10. used to emphasize that something has a very strong quality, especially when expr
used to emphasize that something has a very strong quality, especially when expressing admiration, surprise, or strong feeling
The view from the mountaintop was just breathtaking for all of us.
just + adjective of strong quality — emphatic degree
Anna said the concert was just amazing and the crowd went wild.
Auntie Mayumi said the handmade quilt was just perfect for the baby.
The ending of the film was just ridiculous — nobody believed it.
- just wonderful
- just amazing
- just perfect
- just incredible
- just awful
- absolutely
stronger and more emphatic; common in both speech and writing
- truly
more formal and sincere in tone
- simply
similar emphasis but slightly less intense
Grammar Patterns
just + adjective expressing strong quality
Usage Note
Informal and more common in spoken English than in academic or formal writing. Similar in meaning to 'absolutely' or 'truly', but softer in tone. Often used with positive adjectives (wonderful, amazing, perfect) or strongly negative ones (awful, ridiculous).
Common Mistakes
Used to say that doing something else would have given the same result, because what you did was not very useful or enjoyable.
We might just as well have stayed home since the party was boring.
Could you just as well take the train instead of driving?
(just) in case (…)
idiomBecause something might happen, you do something to be prepared.
Take an umbrella just in case it rains later.
In case you need help, call me.
Used to say that something is good or lucky, especially because the opposite would have been bad.
It is just as well we left early, or we would have missed the bus.
It's just as well you didn't go; the event was canceled.
Used to say that you would be equally happy to do one thing as another, or you prefer not to do something.
I would just as soon stay home as go to the party.
She'd just as soon not discuss the matter now.
just about
idiomAlmost; very nearly.
I've just about finished my homework.
Did you see everyone? Just about.
just like that
idiomSuddenly, without any warning or explanation.
He quit his job just like that, with no notice.
She changed her mind just like that.
Used to ask someone to wait for a short time.
Just a minute, please; I'll be right with you.
Could you hold on just a second?
just now
idiomAt this moment or a very short time ago.
I'm busy just now; can you call back later?
She left just now, so you might catch her.
just so
idiomArranged or done very carefully and exactly.
She likes everything on her desk just so.
He adjusted the picture until it was just so.
just the ticket
idiomExactly what is needed or wanted in a particular situation.
A cold drink on a hot day is just the ticket.
This tool is just the ticket for fixing the shelf.
let's just say
idiomUsed to suggest that you could say something more extreme but choose not to.
Let's just say he wasn't thrilled with the news.
Let's just say it didn't go as planned.
not just yet
idiomNot now, but probably very soon.
I can't leave not just yet; I have to finish this report.
Don't start eating not just yet; wait for everyone.
just then
idiomAt that exact moment in time.
Just then, the phone rang loudly in the kitchen.
Did you hear that noise just then?
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: adjective/1
在形容詞用法中，just 和 fair 都表示「公平的」，但 just 比較正式，常用於法律、道德等嚴肅場合（a just law），而 fair 更口語、更常見（a fair price, a fair deal）。Righteous 強調道德上的正義感，帶有宗教或強烈道德色彩（a righteous anger），equitable 則側重分配上的公平，是較正式的用語（an equitable distribution of resources）。 在副詞 sense 5（ONLY）中，just、merely 和 simply 都可以用來表示「只是」。Just 是日常口語中最自然的選擇，語氣最柔和（It was just a joke — 只是開個玩笑）。Merely 比較正式，常用於書面語（It was merely a suggestion — 那只不過是個建議）。Simply 帶有「簡單地、就是這樣而已」的意味（I simply asked a question — 我只是問了個問題），有時也帶有「老實說」的語氣。 例句比較："The judge made a just decision."（公正的裁決，正式場合）vs. "The teacher made a fair decision."（公平的決定，日常用語）。副詞方面："She is just a beginner."（口語自然）vs. "She is merely a beginner."（較正式）vs. "She is simply a beginner."（強調程度低）。
Common collocations
Nouns
- just cause
- just society
- just reward
- just punishment
- just outcome
- just law
- just decision
- just system
Adverbs
- justly and fairly
- morally just
- legally just
Phrases
- just and fair
- just and reasonable
- just and equitable
- the just and the unjust
Etymology
Just comes from Latin iustus, meaning "righteous, fair, or lawful". It passed through Old French juste before entering English. The original sense of moral fairness later gave rise to the many adverb uses (exactly, only, merely) through the idea of doing something "precisely" or "exactly" as justice demands.