Just (Adverb)
Meaning 1
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"; "Properly speaking, all true work is religion."--Thomas Carlyle.
Examples
- The recipe calls for just the right amount of sugar to balance the flavors.
- The clock struck just midnight, marking the start of the new year.
- She was just the person I needed to talk to about my problem.
- The hotel room was just large enough for the two of us to stay comfortably.
- The instructions were just clear enough for me to assemble the furniture on my own.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
Possibly (indicating a slight chance of something being true); "it might just happen".
Examples
- The weather forecast says there's a chance of rain, and it might just storm by evening.
- I've been practicing my free throws, and I might just make the basketball team.
- She's been feeling unwell all week, and she might just have to miss the party.
- The new policy might just be the thing to turn the company around.
- He's been working on his novel for years, and it might just get published someday.
Meaning 3
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".
Examples
- I just needed to ask one question and you became defensive.
- He's just a friend, we're not dating.
- It's just a minor setback, we'll recover from this.
- She's just a kid, don't be too hard on her.
- The pain was just a dull ache after the medication kicked in.
Synonyms
Meaning 4
By a little; "I only just caught the bus"; "he finished the marathon in just under 3 hours"; "it was barely 5 a.m."; "the network has barely 5 percent of viewers"; "the batter just missed being hit".
Examples
- I just made it to the meeting on time.
- The new policy has just been implemented.
- She finished her project in just under a week.
- The company has just enough funds to stay afloat.
- The ball just cleared the fence for a home run.
Synonyms
Meaning 5
(used for emphasis) absolutely; "I just can't take it anymore"; "he was just grand as Romeo"; "it's simply beautiful!".
Usages
Examples
- The concert was just incredible last night.
- This cake is just amazing.
- The kids are just delighted with their new toys.
- It's just too difficult for me to finish.
- He was just wonderful as a teacher.
Synonyms
Meaning 6
Exactly at this moment or the moment described; "we've just finished painting the walls, so don't touch them".
Examples
- I've just received the news that I got the job.
- We've just finished dinner, so let's go for a walk.
- I've just seen the most amazing movie, you have to watch it.
- She's just arrived at the airport, I'll go pick her up.
- They've just announced the winner of the contest, let's see who it is.
Meaning 7
Only a moment ago; "he has just arrived"; "the sun just now came out".
Examples
- I've just put the kettle on, would you like a cup of tea?
- He's just eaten a whole pizza by himself.
- The baby has just fallen asleep, let's try to be quiet.
- The phone has just rung, I'll get it.
- The flowers have just started to bloom in the garden.
Synonyms
Meaning 8
Only a very short time before; "we hardly knew them"; "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.
Examples
- I had just arrived at the party when I saw her.
- We had just met them a few days ago, so we hardly knew them.
- I had just rung the bell when the door flew open.
- She would have just arrived before she would have found some excuse to leave.
- I had just started my homework when the power went out.