just / jəst
adjective
1. reasonable
Learn good-humor, never to oppose without just reason; abate some degree of pride and moroseness.
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
2. conforming to a standard of being correct
With fame in just proportion, envy grows.
Edward Young, 1683-1765
3. righteous
Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.
Thomas Jefferson, 1743-1826
4. deserved
There’s a fine line between deserving and just desserts.
Stanley Victor Paskavich, ?-
5. lawful
Possession under a just title is sufficient if continued for a period of 10 years.
from the Southern Reporter, Volume 6, 1890
adverb
1. exactly
There are three things that a man must know to survive in this world: what is too much for him, what is too little, and what’s just right.
African Proverb
2. very recently
If I had the opportunity to speak to a young immigrant girl that just arrived to the U. S., the advice I would have for her would be: ask, speak, search; because there are opportunities out there.
Jenni Rivera, 1969-2012
3. by a small margin
Lake Michigan and Lake Huron rose significantly in June, but still fell just shy of the record high June water level.
Mark Torregrossa, ?-, mlive.com/weather
4. immediately
The droplet is always at its largest just before it drops.
Bulgarian Proverb
5. only; simply
It is no good going to the river just wanting to catch a fish; you have to take a net as well.
Chinese Proverb
6. very; also used as an intensifier
When you engage your brain, it just keeps getting fatter and richer and wonderful.
Rita Moreno, 1931-
7. possibly; maybe
Work as if you own the company and soon you just might.
Michael Dolan, 1965-