just 1 (jst) adj. 1. Honorable and fair in one’s dealings and actions: a just ruler. See Synonyms at fair1. 2. Consistent with what is morally right; righteous: a just cause. 3. Properly due or merited: just deserts. 4. Law Valid within the law; lawful: just claims. 5. Suitable or proper in nature; fitting: a just touch of solemnity. 6. Based on fact or sound reason; well-founded: a just appraisal. adv. (jst, jst; jst when stressed) 1. Precisely; exactly: just enough salt. 2. Only a moment ago: He just arrived. 3. By a narrow margin; barely: just missed being hit; just caught the bus before it pulled away. 4. At a little distance: just down the road. 5. Merely; only: just a scratch. 6. Simply; certainly: It’s just beautiful! 7. Perhaps; possibly: I just may go. Idioms: just about Almost; very nearly: This job is just about done. just now Only a moment ago. just the same Nevertheless. [Middle English juste, from Old French, from Latin istus; see yewes- in Indo-European roots.] justly adv. justness n.
