just · adv
it's just as well
C1 used to say that it is lucky that something happened
Dictionary examples:
It's just as well we brought an umbrella. (18.6)
just as
B2 at the same time as
Dictionary examples:
She woke up just as we got there. (17.4)
I/you/we, etc. will just have to do sth
C1 used to say that there is nothing else you can do
Dictionary examples:
We’ll just have to wait and see what happens. (13.9)
just (RECENTLY)
A2 a very short time ago
Dictionary examples:
The dog has just eaten my homework. Really, teacher! (0.0)
My phone has just died. Now I have to talk to people! (0.0)
I've just eaten a bug! It was in my sandwich. (0.0)
We've only just begun. (10.6)
I've just been on a trip to France. (13.2)
just (ALMOST NOW)
A2 now or very soon
Dictionary examples:
The teacher is just coming. Quick, act like you're studying! (0.0)
The bus is just coming. Quick, hide your homework! (0.0)
The exam is just starting. My pen is running away! (0.0)
I'm just leaving! (7.4)
The doctor will be with you in just a minute/moment/second. (26.2)
just (EMPHASIS)
B1 used to emphasize something you say
Dictionary examples:
My cooking is just so bad, even the dog won't eat it! (0.0)
The cat is just too fat to fit through the cat door! (0.0)
I just can't believe I ate the whole pizza by myself! (0.0)
It's just dreadful what happened to her. (27.6)
I just can't bear it! (28.9)
just (ONLY)
B1 only
Dictionary examples:
I'm not arguing. I'm just explaining why I'm right. (0.0)
I don't need Google. My wife knows everything! (0.0)
I'm not addicted to coffee. I just can't live without it! (0.0)
The movie is not just about love. (12.4)
Just because you're older than me doesn't mean you can tell me what to do. (19.1)
It was just a joke. (22.5)
"Would you like another drink?" "OK, just one more." (48.5)
just (ALMOST NOT)
B1 almost not
Dictionary examples:
I just finished my homework as the teacher walked into class! (0.0)
My phone battery just survived the entire day with 1% left! (0.0)
I just caught the bus by running like a crazy chicken! (0.0)
This dress only just fits! (14.3)
We arrived at the airport just in time to catch the plane. (28.1)
just (EXACTLY)
B1 exactly or equally
Dictionary examples:
The exam questions were just what I didn't study for. (0.0)
The bus arrived just as I finished tying my shoes. (0.0)
My diet plan is just as effective as eating cake. (0.0)
I can't help you just now. (9.1)
Just then, the lights went out. (12.3)
The twins look just like each other. (17.0)
You've got just as many toys as your brother. (18.6)
Things turned out just as I expected. (18.7)
This carpet would be just right for the dining room. (49.3)
just before/over/under, etc.
B1 a little before/over/under, etc. something else
Dictionary examples:
The exam finished just before I remembered all the answers. (0.0)
My cat jumped on the keyboard just as I finished my essay. (0.0)
The price of the pizza was just over my last dollar. (0.0)
She left just before Michael. (8.3)
It costs just under $10. (16.3)
just about
B1 more or less; almost
Dictionary examples:
I've just about perfected the art of looking busy at work. (0.0)
I've just about mastered the art of pretending to understand physics. (0.0)
I've just about mastered the art of burning toast perfectly. (0.0)
"Can you see the stage?" "Yes, just about." (17.5)
I've just about finished painting the living room. (28.3)
be just about to do sth
B1 to be going to do something very soon
Dictionary examples:
I was just about to answer the exam when my pen exploded! (0.0)
We were just about to board the plane when we realized we forgot our passports! (0.0)
I was just about to eat my sandwich when a seagull stole it! (0.0)
I was just about to phone you. (32.3)
just as bad/good/tall/clever, etc. (as sb/sth)
B1 equally bad/good/tall/clever, etc.
Dictionary examples:
My cat is just as lazy as I am – we're perfect nap partners! (0.0)
My cooking is just as bad as my singing – both make people run away! (0.0)
My jokes are just as funny as a wet sock – not at all! (0.0)
He's just as talented as his brother. (23.6)