Word of the Day: Just

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-