just

just1 [ dʒʌst ] adverb ***

1. ) used for saying when something happens

a ) soon or at a particular time:

I can't come now. I'm just putting the kids to bed.

just now: We're just now beginning to understand how much work this project will be.

just then/at that moment: Just then a knock at the door interrupted our conversation.

be just going/about to do something: Mark was just about to leave when someone called him.

I was just going to ask you the same question.

just when/as: Just when you think it's all over, something else happens.

b ) a short time ago, or a short time before something that happened in the past:

Mom just left to go to the grocery store.

Agassi had just arrived in Australia the day before.

Susan was just telling me about your new job.

only just (=a very short time ago): I've only just started, so I can't tell you anything yet.

c ) just now a moment ago:

I'm sorry if I interrupted you just now.

What were you saying to Lisa just now?

d ) used for emphasizing how recently something happened:

just yesterday/last week etc.: Just last week it was freezing, and now it's too hot.

e ) not just yet used for saying that the time for something has not happened yet but will happen soon:

I'm going back to New York, but not just yet.

f ) just before/after happening a very short time before or after something:

My parents got married just after the war.

2. ) only

a ) not more than a particular amount, number, distance, etc: ONLY:

The medicine costs just a few cents to produce.

He quit the project after just four months.

There's a little bookstore just around the corner.

b ) not better, worse, more important, etc. than what you are mentioning: ONLY:

We're just a small business with 15 employees.

It was just a stupid mistake.

c ) not involving anything more than the thing you are mentioning: ONLY:

We just wanted to make sure everyone was safe.

In my opinion, the argument is just about money.

No, I don't want to buy anything. I'm just looking.

d ) not just not only:

It's not just me. Other people are complaining too.

3. ) exactly

a ) exactly the right thing, place, or person:

Thank you so much, it was just what I wanted.

just the thing/place/person etc.: It's just the place for a picnic.

b ) MAINLY BRITISH used when referring to an exact time:

just on (=at an exact time that you notice): We left just on the stroke of midnight.

c ) just like/just as/just the same exactly the same or in exactly the same way:

He's just like his father.

Of course, Cameron's plan failed, just as I expected it would.

4. ) used for emphasis SPOKEN

a ) used for emphasizing a statement:

It was just awful seeing her so miserable.

I just can't believe what's happened.

Just exactly what do these numbers represent?

b ) used for emphasis when you are telling someone to do something:

Now, just calm down and tell me what the problem is.

Just look at that dress she's wearing!

5. ) when something almost does not happen

a ) used for saying that although something happens, it almost does not happen:

The four girls just managed to squeeze into the back of Rick's car.

We should just get there on time if we hurry.

only just (=by a very small amount): He did pass his finals, but only just.

b ) just enough enough but no more than that:

She had just enough money to buy her bus ticket.

c ) might/may/could just do something used for saying that although something is not at all likely to happen, it is possible:

If he was lucky, he might just be able to escape.

6. ) used in requests SPOKEN used for making a request more polite:

Could I just borrow your pen for a second?

could/might just as well do something SPOKEN

used for saying that one action or situation is as good or as possible as another:

The traffic is so bad, we might just as well walk.

it/that is just as well SPOKEN

1. ) used for saying that a situation or result is good, even though it is not what you planned or expected:

We cancelled the trip, which was just as well, because it rained.

2. ) used for saying that something is a sensible thing to do:

It would be just as well to check that they've arrived.

it's just that... SPOKEN

used when you are explaining your reaction to something:

I do believe you. It's just that I'm a little bit surprised.

just about

very nearly:

I think we've just about finished.

just about the worst/first/only etc.: Another scandal would be just about the worst thing that could happen.

just a minute/moment/second SPOKEN

1. ) used for asking someone to wait for a short time:

Just a moment. We're not ready for you yet.

2. ) used when interrupting someone, especially when you disagree with what they are saying:

Just a minute. You can't make accusations like that.

just as...(as)

used for emphasizing that something is equally large, good, bad, etc.:

Less expensive machines are just as good or even better.

Animals feel pain just as much as we do.

just because... MAINLY SPOKEN

used for saying that even if one thing is true, this is not a reason for thinking that something else is true:

Just because he's rich, it doesn't mean he's better than us.

just behind/above/below etc.

in a position very close to someone or something:

I was standing just behind her when she fainted.

just like that MAINLY SPOKEN

used for emphasizing that something happens very quickly or easily:

I should be able to get a job just like that.

You'd sell the car? Just like that?

just so

1. ) used for saying that everything is arranged in a neat way:

When Betty comes to stay, everything has to be just so.

2. ) BRITISH FORMAL used for telling someone that what they have just said is true

not just any...

used for emphasizing that you are referring to someone or something that is special and important:

He's not just any doctor he's a head surgeon.

=> LIKE

just

just 2 [ dʒʌst ] adjective FORMAL **

if a situation is just, everyone is treated equally and in a reasonable way: FAIR:

Our aim is a just and lasting peace.

a just society

Few people think that the decision was just.

a. morally right or supported by a good reason:

Many Americans no longer viewed it as a just war.

a just criticism of the failing healthcare system

just cause: The rebels believe they are fighting for a just cause.

b. making judgments in a way that is reasonable and morally right: FAIR:

a just ruler

c. a just reward or punishment is one that is deserved:

The prize was a just reward for all their efforts.

─ opposite UNJUST

╾ just|ness noun uncount

=> DESERTS