/ dʒʌst; NAmE / adverb , adjective
■ adverb
1.
just (like / what / as ... ) exactly :
This jacket is just my size.
This gadget is just the thing for getting those nails out.
Just my luck (= the sort of bad luck I usually have) . The phone's not working.
You're just in time .
She looks just like her mother.
It's just what I wanted!
It's just as I thought.
( BrE )
It's just on six (= exactly six o'clock) .
2.
just as ... at the same moment as :
The clock struck six just as I arrived.
3.
just as good, nice, easily, etc. no less than; equally :
She's just as smart as her sister.
You can get there just as cheaply by plane.
4.
(only) ~ | just after, before, under, etc. sth by a small amount :
I got here just after nine.
I only just caught the train.
Inflation fell to just over 4 per cent.
5.
used to say that you/sb did sth very recently :
I've just heard the news.
When you arrived he had only just left.
She has just been telling us about her trip to Rome.
( especially NAmE )
I just saw him a moment ago.
➡ note at already
6.
at this/that moment; now :
I'm just finishing my book.
I was just beginning to enjoy myself when we had to leave.
I'm just off (= I am leaving now) .
7.
just about / going to do sth going to do sth only a few moments from now or then :
The water's just about to boil.
I was just going to tell you when you interrupted.
8.
simply :
It was just an ordinary day.
I can't just drop all my commitments.
This essay is just not good enough .
I didn't mean to upset you. It's just that I had to tell somebody.
This is not just another disaster movie—it's a masterpiece.
Just because you're older than me doesn't mean you know everything.
9.
( informal ) really; completely :
The food was just wonderful!
I can just imagine his reaction.
10.
just (for sth) | just (to do sth) only :
I decided to learn Japanese just for fun .
I waited an hour just to see you.
There is just one method that might work.
'Can I help you?' 'No thanks, I'm just looking .' (= in a shop / store)
11.
used in orders to get sb's attention, give permission, etc. :
Just listen to what I'm saying, will you!
Just help yourselves.
12.
used to make a polite request, excuse, etc. :
Could you just help me with this box, please?
I've just got a few things to do first.
13.
could / might / may ~ used to show a slight possibility that sth is true or will happen :
Try his home number—he might just be there.
14.
used to agree with sb :
'He's very pompous.' 'Isn't he just?'
•
IDIOMS
- could / might just as well ...
- it is just as well (that ... )
- just about
- just a minute / moment / second
- just like that
- just now
- just so
- just then
- not just yet
- I, etc. would just as soon do sth
—more at case noun , job
■ adjective [ usually before noun ]
1.
that most people consider to be morally fair and reasonable
SYN fair :
a just decision / law / society
2.
the just noun [ pl. ] people who are just
3.
appropriate in a particular situation :
a just reward / punishment
I think she got her just deserts (= what she deserved) .
OPP unjust
► just·ly adverb :
to be treated justly
to be justly proud of sth
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : via Old French from Latin justus , from jus law, right.