just

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   exactly at this moment or the moment described

   we've just finished painting the walls, so don't touch them

2. 2
   adv

   only a moment ago

   I had just arrived to the party.

3. 3
   adv

   absolutely

   I just can't take it anymore

4. 4
   adj

   used especially of what is legally or ethically right or proper or fitting

   a just and lasting peace- A.Lincoln

5. 5
   adj

   Factually right, correct; factual.

   It is a just assessment of the facts.

6. 6
   adj

   Morally right; upright, righteous, equitable; fair.

   It looks like a just solution at first glance.

7. 7
   adv

   Only, simply, merely.

   Just plant a few tomatoes, unless you can freeze or dry them.

8. 8
   adv

   Used to reduce the force of an imperative; simply.

   Just follow the directions on the box.

Etymology

From Middle English juste, from Old French juste, from Latin iūstus (“just, lawful, rightful, true, due, proper, moderate”), from Proto-Italic *jowestos, related to Latin iūs (“law, right”); ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂yew-. Compare Scots juist (“just”), Saterland Frisian juust (“just”), West Frisian just (“just”), Dutch juist (“just”), German Low German jüst (“jüst”), German just (“just”), Danish just (“just”), Swedish just (“just”). Doublet of giusto.