Added 1 October 2026
just
/d͡ʒʌst/ adjective
In Latin: iūstus Wiktionary
adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about just at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
adverb
-
Only, simply, merely.
Just plant a few tomatoes, unless you can freeze or dry them.
-
Introduces a disappointing or surprising outcome that renders futile something previously mentioned.
I spent two hours cooking my favorite recipe, just to burn the rice and ruin the meal.
-
Used to reduce the force of an imperative; simply.
Just follow the directions on the box.
interjection
noun
- A joust, tournament.
Origin
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.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)