just

just¹

/just/, adj.

1. guided by truth, reason, justice, and fairness: We hope to be just in our understanding of such difficult situations.

2. done or made according to principle; equitable; proper: a just reply.

3. based on right; rightful; lawful: a just claim.

4. in keeping with truth or fact; true; correct: a just analysis.

5. given or awarded rightly; deserved, as a sentence, punishment, or reward: a just penalty.

6. in accordance with standards or requirements; proper or right: just proportions.

7. (esp. in Biblical use) righteous.

8. actual, real, or genuine.

adv.

9. within a brief preceding time; but a moment before: The sun just came out.

10. exactly or precisely: This is just what I mean.

11. by a narrow margin; barely: The arrow just missed the mark.

12. only or merely: He was just a clerk until he became ambitious.

13. actually; really; positively: The weather is just glorious.

[1325-75; ME < L justus righteous, equiv. to jus law, right + -tus adj. suffix]

Syn. 1. upright; equitable, fair, impartial. 3. legitimate, legal. 4. accurate, exact; honest. 5. merited, appropriate, condign, suited, apt, due.

Ant. 1. biased. 4. untrue. 5. unjustified.

just²

—juster, n.

/just/, n., v.i.

joust.

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(as used in expressions)

Aristides the Just

Haüy René Just

James the Just

just war theory

just in time manufacturing

Saint Just Louis Antoine Léon de

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