Published October 21, 2020
Does it ever sound like people overuse the word just these days, when being indecisive, indirect, or, worse yet, passive-aggressive—especially in the workplace?
Maybe you’ve heard your boss ask: “I know it’s a Saturday, but if you could, you know, just send me over the document when’s it all done, that’d be great, thanks!”
Or maybe you were the one smuggling in some criticism and doubts with just: “You worked hard on this project, I know, I just still have some questions about it.”
Sometimes, just is just a way we waffle: “Tacos sound delicious. Pizza sounds delicious. Thai sounds delicious. I just can’t decide.”
The word just definitely has its place, and we rely on this word for good reason: it helps soften a request or concern that we don’t want to come across as too forceful. But overusing a word like just in this way can backfire, making you come across as insincere or manipulative—far from polite!
Let’s take some time to look at this use of just and see if we can come up with some good alternatives to use when this word isn’t helping us be good communicators.
What does just mean?
Just is a very versatile word. The word just comes from the Latin word j?stus, meaning “righteous” and from the noun j?s, “law, right.”
As an adjective, the word just is widely and variously used to discuss lawfulness, fairness, and morality, e.g., a just society or a just cause. The word justice is, indeed, related.
Here, however, we are concerned with the use of just as an adverb—which does ultimately emerge from those original “fair” adjective senses of the word.
As an adverb, just has many applications, e.g., He went to college when he was just 17; Just as we need to pay attention to our physical health, so we need to take care of our mental health; or The baby just fell asleep a few minutes ago.
But the passive-aggressive just—you know, the one that is increasingly grating people’s ears through overuse in personal and professional requests—is specifically used as what some linguists refer to as a politeness marker.
Politeness markers are words and phrases meant to create cooperation, show deference, and well, avoid being mean and bossy while living in a society where we all have to get along but still need things from each other.
Some other examples of politeness markers include hedging phrases like kind of and sort of or the subjective framing of phrases, e.g., I guess or If I could ask a question.
Just is especially used to soften the force of a demand or weaken an imposition.
How does just get overused?
Politeness markers are incredibly useful. We need them to communicate effectively, which often means respectfully, to navigate life. They are like social lubricants and glues.
But when politeness markers like just get overused, especially in workplace or educational settings, they can have the opposite effect: they seem impolite. Too much hedging can come across as indecisive. Too much indirectness can come across as unassertive.
Overusing politeness markers like just can sound condescending and infantilizing. It can waste time and squander respect. It can result in mixed messages and cause confusion.
What you can use instead of just
In professional settings, clear and direct communication is highly valued in a noisy, busy, email-stuffed, and Zoom-dizzying world.
So, if you are concerned you are using just as a crutch word or have gotten feedback that you do, consider the following:
Be direct and specific
Eliminate just from the presentation you’re giving or the email you’re writing all together. Instead of asking a student “I was hoping you could just consider raising your hand before speaking,” say, “Please raise your hand before speaking.”
Directness is especially valuable in giving specific feedback to a student or employee. Instead of saying, “Your report is good, but it just needs a little bit more detail in most of the sections,” explicitly provide action items: “You’ve got a great start to your report. However, it needs more data about the loss in revenue and a step-by-step plan for turning that around.”
Use variety and alternatives
Getting rid of politeness markers altogether isn’t always the wisest strategy—because we still need to be polite. But, varying the words and phrases you use, and without turning those substitutes into new crutch words, can be effective. Try changing “If you could just add a few more slides to the deck” to “We need a few more slides to the deck to ensure all the information is covered accurately.”
Remember your communication goals
Communicating effectively is difficult. There’s a fine line between being assertive and being domineering, between fulfilling our needs and goals without impinging too much on others—and none of this to mention the many double standards members of minority groups face in the societal expectations placed on their language.
So, for your communication strategy, consider:
- Your audience: what are their needs and what is your relationship to them?
- Your medium: is it digital or in person?
- Your register: is it formal or informal?
- Your intention: what is the desired outcome of the communication?
Oftentimes, you will want to use just as a politeness marker—and you well should. Other times, you may want to eliminate it or vary it … just keep that in mind!
If you’re regularly called out for being passive-aggressive, it would help to evaluate how you’re communicating and change up some of these passive-aggressive behaviors for more direct and uplifting ones. Just a thought!
So, in the US, we make ample use of the word «just» in a context such as:
«I just finished my homework.» (I finished my homework very recently — perhaps immediately preceding this statement) or
«He had just gotten his driver’s license when his father’s car was stolen.» (pointing out that there was very little [if any] time between the two events)
I only recently learned that this is, apparently, an Americanism. Is there a better, more universally accepted way of expressing this?
I feel that «recently» is not quite «recent» enough.
asked Nov 7, 2011 at 21:18
4
For the past perfect tense you have a few options:
-
scarcely: «They had scarcely made this resolve when a feeble cry arose from a dark object that floated rapidly by.» — Edgar Allan Poe, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym.
-
barely: «We had barely completed this work when the Commander, the Captain, Marvin, Borup, and Esquimos came in.» — Matthew A. Henson, Matthew A. Henson’s Historic Arctic Journey.
-
hardly: «…but he had hardly reached home when Frank, who had been sent after him, delivered this note…» — James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson.
answered Nov 7, 2011 at 22:15
D KruegerD Krueger
5,1141 gold badge18 silver badges26 bronze badges
The only Americanism I see in the sentences you cite is the use of just with the Past Simple. In British English, just is usually used with the Present Perfect tense, which is considered the correct thing to do according to grammar books.
As for another word to replace just, I can’t think of one, just describes exactly what you want to express.
answered Nov 7, 2011 at 21:31
IreneIrene
12.5k1 gold badge32 silver badges49 bronze badges
7
«We had sat down [only] moments before the remaining guests arrived».
«He had been shot that very minute».
«Seconds before, we had witnessed the strangest scene unfolding before us».
«A few moments ago, our lives were changed forever».
«We only got in three minutes ago».
answered May 4, 2014 at 7:28
Erik KowalErik Kowal
26.7k1 gold badge48 silver badges91 bronze badges
“Already” and “Just” are usually used when time is referenced in the general sentence. When the subject matter is time-related, can we replace “Just” and “Already”; otherwise, they can never be used in place of each other.
Key Takeaways
- “Already” is an adverb that indicates something has happened before the present time or earlier than expected; “just” is an adverb that emphasizes the immediacy or recentness of an event or action.
- “Already” conveys that an event or action occurred before now or sooner than anticipated, while “just” suggests that something happened recently or only a short time ago.
- Both adverbs relate to the timing of events or actions, but “already” focuses on the prior occurrence or early completion, while “just” emphasizes recency or immediacy.
“Already” is an adverb that refers to something that has happened or been completed before a specific point in time, indicating that an action or event has occurred earlier than expected or previously arranged. “Just” is also an adverb that typically means “recently” or “a short time ago.”
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The word “Already” refers to a task done or an event just before a specific time, such as past, present, or future. It usually suggests that the job is done.
The word “Just” is used to imply that something had happened right before it was mentioned. It is typically a replacement for terms like “merely” or “only,” as it has similar meanings.
Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | Already | Just |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Early usages were seen during the Middle English era and around the 14th century. | Most early usages were seen during the 1600s. The word also paralleled the French word “just.” |
| Grammatical Speech | Regarding speech, “Already” is an adverb; accurately, it is a time adverb. | “Just” is known to present in two forms of expression; as an adverb and an adjective. |
| Usages | The word can be used in sentences where time is referenced and also to describe a task’s progress. | It is used to talk about something that has happened briefly before. It can also mean “fair.” |
| Example | “This day has already started to get exciting, and it isn’t even the afternoon yet.” | “I would have reached work earlier if I hadn’t just missed the last bus that left from my town.” |
| Synonyms | The word “Already” sounds similar to the following terms -So far, previously, earlier, and before. | “Just” possesses the same degree of meaning – fair, not long ago, lately, precisely. |
What is the Meaning of Already?
The word “Already” was referenced long ago during the Middle English period, even as far back as the 14th century, when it experimented as a variant of “ready.”
Regarding speech, “Already” is a time adverb accompanied by an auxiliary and the principal verb or at the end of a clause.
One everyday use of “Already” is when it is used in sentences where time is referenced, whether in the past, present, or future form. In the present perfect condition, it means discussing something that has happened before.
Example –
- “I’ve already used up all my sick days when I vacationed in the Bahamas last year.”
- “The last train for London has already left, even though I reached the station on time.”
Now, “Already” can also be used when talking about something happening in the present or being mentioned as the event occurs. It could also incorporate the completion of a task.
Example-
- “This day has been going bad already, and now I hear that someone scratched my car as they were parking.”
- “As you can see, I have already made my bed just as I left the room, so you need not worry about it.”
The word “Already” can also, in a few contexts, replace the word “even,” which is a variant of something that has happened earlier.
What is the Meaning of Just?
The word “Just” was frequently used in the 1660s and was an integral part of the Middle English era, as it also paralleled a comment in the French language, a variation – “juste.”
The word exists in two forms of speech, and its usage differs significantly in either way. They are –
- Adjective
- Adverb
When the word “Just” is used as an adverb and accompanied by a word in the present perfect tense, it is placed in the sentence to help reference an event that has just taken place or taken place a short while ago.
Example –
- “I had just seen this movie in the theatre two days ago, and it’s already on Blu-ray.”
- “I have just come out of the worst meeting of my life and have to return to work in an hour or two.”
“Just” takes on a completely different meaning when used as an adjective. “Just” is commonly considered a word that is related to time. But it can also mean “to be fair” or “to provide justice.”
Example –
- “No matter what the judge has decided, I know one thing for sure, that his judgment will be just.”
- “After being given many chances to prove himself, Tom was fired. It was a just decision by the manager.”
The word “Just” cannot reference anything that has occurred long ago in the past or the future.
Main Differences Between Already and Just
- “Already” was first used in the 14th century as a variation of “ready.” “Just” was used in the late 1600s, derived from the French word “juste.”
- “Already” exists only as a time adverb in terms of speech. While “Just” exists as an adverb and an adjective.
- “Already” is used when we mention something before an event in the past, present, or future. “Just” talks about something that has happened briefly before.
- “Already” is a purely time-based adverb, so it cannot possess any other meanings, while “Just” can mean “to be fair” when it is used as an adjective.
- Regarding synonyms, “Already” means the same as so far, previously, earlier, and before. “Just” is similar to words such as fair, not long ago, lately, precisely.
References
- https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/already
- https://hinative.com/en-US/questions/11891721
- https://www.italki.com/question/400069?hl=es
Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
В статье мы поговорим о распространенном словечке just. Как правило, его переводят в словаре как «только» — но это далеко не единственное его значение. Когда же еще его можно применить? И в каких конструкциях?
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Давайте рассмотрим 9 способов использования этого слова.
9 способов применить слово just
1. Just в значении «просто»
Just можно использовать в значении «просто», когда мы хотим подчеркнуть сказанное (при переводе его можно опустить или перевести как «действительно»).
Примеры:
It’s just the best restaurant in town.
Это просто лучший ресторан в городе.
Dan didn’t enter the university: his test results were just horrible.
Дэн не поступил в университет: результаты его теста были просто ужасны.
I just don’t know what to tell you.
Я просто не знаю, что тебе сказать.
2. Just в значении «именно», «прямо», «как раз», «так»
Мы можем использовать just, чтобы передать точность:
I know just the right place to celebrate the occasion.
Я знаю как раз подходящее место, чтобы отпраздновать это.
These boots are just the right size!
Эти ботинки как раз нужного размера!
Иногда для just в этом значении требуются дополнительные слова: например like («как») и as («в качестве»):
This man on the photo looks just like uncle Sam!
Этот человек на фотографии выглядит прямо как дядя Сэм!
So, he’s late again, isn’t he? Just as I thought.
Значит, он опять опаздывает, да? Так я и думал.
Подробнее о like и as читайте здесь.
3. Just в значении «только», «лишь», «всего лишь»
Just употребляется в значении «только, исключительно», когда мы ограничиваем круг предметов:
This event is just for the members of the club.
Это мероприятие только для членов клуба.
I don’t have any big goals, I just train for myself.
У меня нет больших целей, я всего лишь тренируюсь для себя.
Nobody else knew about it — just the two of us.
Никто больше об этом не знает — лишь мы двое.
Just можно также использовать в похожем значении: «всего лишь», то есть «не более чем» — когда мы подчеркиваем, что не преувеличиваем значение какой-либо вещи.
It costs just 24$! Let’s buy it!
Это стоит всего лишь 24$! Давай купим!
Nothing interesting happened. It’s just another day.
Ничего интересного не случилось. Всего лишь очередной день.
Tim really didn’t wanna come. All his stories are just excuses.
Тим на самом деле не хотел приходить. Все его рассказы — лишь отговорки.
4. Just в значении «только что», «как раз», «вот-вот»
Just часто употребляется со временем, когда мы хотим обозначить, что что-то произошло совсем недавно, возможно даже пару минут назад:
I’m sorry, Mrs. Andrews has just left! Would you like to wait for her?
Извините, миссис Эндрюс только что вышла! Не хотите подождать ее здесь?
Oh, hello, Dan! We were just talking about you…
О, привет, Дэн! Мы как раз о тебе говорили…
Иногда just используется и по отношению к будущему, со значением «вскоре после момента разговора»:
I’m just going to the store. Care to join me?
Я как раз иду в магазин. Не хочешь пойти со мной?
Quick! The bus is just leaving!
Быстро! Автобус вот—вот уйдет!
Обратите внимание, что здесь употреблен present continuous! Он может обозначать либо что-то, что происходит прямо сейчас, либо запланированное действие, которое по-любому случится. Подробнее об этом времени читайте в нашей статье.
5. Just в приказах
Just используется в командах, чтобы обратить внимание слушателя на приказ.
Just press this button to exit the program.
Просто нажмите кнопку, чтобы выйти из программы.
Just follow my instructions and everything will be fine.
Просто следуй моим инструкциям и все будет хорошо.
О том, как строить приказы, читайте в статье.
6. Just для смягчения
С вежливыми формами just имеет противоположный эффект: помогает еще больше смягчить просьбу. На русский он в этом случае не переводится!
Could you just show me where that room is, please?
Не могли бы вы мне показать, где находится та комната, пожалуйста?
Could I just wait here a bit?
Могу я здесь подождать немного?
Подробнее о вежливых формах читайте здесь.
7. Just в значениях «где-то», «чуть больше, чем», «чуть меньше, чем»
Just можно употреблять в значении «где-то», когда действие совершается, но с трудом, или что-то с натяжкой достигает какой-то отметки или чуть-чуть выходит за ее пределы:
We managed to come just before lunch.
Мы смогли прийти где—то перед обедом.
This thing costs just over 50$, which is cheap.
Эта вещь стоит чуть больше, чем 50$, что дешево.
I’ll be free just after 6 o’clock.
Я буду свободен где—то после шести.
8. Just as в значении «как только»
Just as используется, чтобы передать одновременность двух событий или действий.
Just as we finished the preparations, we got a phone call from the manager.
Как только мы закончили приготовления, нам позвонил менеджер.
Just as I entered the building I saw Mike running down the stairs.
Как только я вошел в здание, я увидел Майка, бегущего вниз по лестнице.
9. Just as в значении «такой же ____»
Just as ___ можно использовать, чтобы показать, что какая-то вещь является не менее хорошей, плохой, интересной, красивой и т.д., чем другая.
Your plan is just as bad as mine.
Твой план такой же плохой, как мой.
I’m just as angry as you are.
Я так же зол, как ты.
На этом все. Надеюсь, статья была интересной и помогла вам больше узнать об этом часто используемом слове.
Задание на закрепление
Переведите следующие предложения на английский язык. Свои ответы оставляйте в комментариях под статьей.
1. Она пришла где-то перед началом встречи.
2. Обед был просто прекрасный!
3. Где мои очки? Я только что положил их здесь!
4. Эта дорога такая же длинная, как та.
5. Просто закрой дверь и поверни ключ дважды.
6. Пожалуйста, не могли бы вы отодвинуть этот стул?
7. Я думал, Фрэнк что-то от меня хочет, он всего лишь звонил поболтать.
8. Этот как раз то, что я ищу.
9. Только я подумал о Джоне, как он мне позвонил.
-
#1
Hello Guys,
Please I have difficulty choosing between these two sentences and would like your help.
1 — I will
exactly
keep you in contact and updated about the status of that purchase.
2 — I will
just
keep you in contact and updated about the status of that purchase.
Please which one of these sentences appears to be grammatically correct / well written?
-
#2
The first is strange-sounding. The second is okay but probably better if you simply omit the word «just.»
-
#3
The first is strange-sounding. The second is okay but probably better if you simply omit the word «just.»
Yes. The word «just» implies that you will do no more than that minimum.
-
#4
I have just checked and found out that exactly could also be used as just. Actually they are synonyms. So why isn’t it possible to look at the first sentence (1) as a grammatically correct one?
Thanks for your previous replies.
-
#5
Do you mean «I will keep you in contact and updated about the status of that purchase — nothing more and nothing less»?
-
#7
@se16teddy
Is the first sentence grammatically correct / well written?
-
#8
No, we don’t use «exactly» in this way in English.
Exactly
and j
ust
are NOT synonyms — at least
not always
. There may be situations where using one or the other makes no difference in the meaning, but this sentence is not one of them. So the first sentence does not make sense.
If you do mean «I will keep you in contact and updated about the status of that purchase nothing more and nothing less»? — then you could say «I will keep you in contact and updated only (or just) about the status of that purchase «.
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#9
I have just checked and found out that exactly could also be used as just. Actually they are synonyms.
No, they are not, as Mr. Stuart has explained. There are nuances to «exactly» vs. «just» and there might be national differences as well. «Just» often has a connotation of bare sufficiency, even of being careful not to provide anything extra.
«just in time» inventory policies deliberately seek to prevent accumulations of parts or materials, without causing a factory to run out.
«He refilled my glass just to the halfway point» suggests that he was being very careful not to give me even a microliter more than half a glass (perhaps of an expensive wine or brandy).
«Exactly» means «precisely.» «He arrived exactly at 6 o’clock» means not at 5:59:59 and not at 6:00:01, either. It can be a neutral term.
In your first two sentences, «exactly» just is not idiomatic, at least in AE. The second sentence indicates to the listener or reader that you will be careful not to do anything besides keep your customer updated about the status of the purchase. For instance, if the price you pay your supplier goes down, you won’t inform your customer and cut the price you are charging him; or if your supplier comes out with an upgraded model, you won’t inform the customer and give him the choice of substituting that for what he has already ordered. This is not good customer service and not a way to increase your business or make a good impression on your manager, unless it is company policy to treat customers in this way.
Why not say or write, «I will be happy to stay in touch and keep you up to date on the status of your purchase.»Note that «keep you in contact» is an odd way to put «stay in touch» in AE; I don’t know about other E’s.
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#10
I repeat exactly- precisely- just — are all synonyms. I challenge you to check this from any trusted websites or dictionaries you may know. My concern is short and simple. The above-listed adverbs are synonyms. I wonder again why is the 1st sentence not well written? Thanks.
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#11
It just goes to show how far off the mark one can be led when trying to rely on dictionaries and other references rather than the expertise of native speakers, some of whom are writers and editors of considerable experience and knowledge.
The first sentencee is not well-written because the use of «exactly» in that context is neither idiomatic nor correct. You are under no obligation to believe that, of course.
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#12
The words «exactly» and «just» can be synonyms in very specific circumstances. For instance, in the sentence «It is just the right time to have a drink», the word «just» could be replaced with «exactly» and have roughly the same meaning.
However, this is the exception rather than the rule; in most cases (including the one being discussed here), the two words have very different meanings, and it makes no sense to replace one with the other.
-
#13
I repeat exactly- precisely- just — are all synonyms. I challenge you to check this from any trusted websites or dictionaries you may know. My concern is short and simple. The above-listed adverbs are synonyms. I wonder again why is the 1st sentence not well written? Thanks.
Please check your dictionary/sources: Are you sure they say that
all listed
synonyms are
always
synonyms?
As several have pointed out above, they can be synonyms but they are
not always
synonyms. That is why the first sentence is not «well written».
I would agree that exactly and precisely are synonyms (I can’t think of an exception offhand).
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#14
1 — I will
exactly
keep you in contact and updated about the status of that purchase.
2 — I willjust
keep you in contact and updated about the status of that purchase.
1. Sounds odd to me. I ask myself: in what sense will your actions be exact? Do you mean that you will make sure that the updates you send me will have absolutely no errors in them?
2. Means «Though people might expect me to do more, I will only keep you in contact…»
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#15
In the second sentence «just» is a synonym of «only» or «simply». The first one is just wrong….
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#16
Hello Guys,
I respect your expertise and appreciate your helpful replies. Still I have to point out that speaking, writing and reading English is not just a matter of being «a native» (This is quite an insult). It’s all about learning I am sorry so please stay objective in your replies. I agree with you that the first sentence is wrong. [ exactly — just — precisely — simply are all synonyms ] this still stands and it is up to you to find out.
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#17
Hi
I would like to point out two things:
1. Just because two or more words are deemed synonyms, it does not follow that they can be interchanged in any sentence.
2. Idiomatically, both «just» & «exactly» do not fit and sound awkward. You are right it is not a matter of being a native speaker but it is a matter of knowing idiomatically when to use a word in the right context.
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#18
[ exactly — just — precisely — simply are all synonyms ] this still stands and it is up to you to find out.
There’s no such thing as an exact synonym, Ct1man. The closest we come to it in English is someone/somebody and related words (anyone/anybody; no-one/nobody; everyone/everybody); and even then, it’s possible to argue that there are slightly different patterns of usage.
Neither of your two sentences sounds good to me.
I will exactly keep you in contact and updated about the status of that purchase is not a viable sentence.
I will just keep you in contact and updated about the status of that purchase also sounds pretty odd. Why would you want to say «I will keep you in contact and updated,
nothing more and nothing less
«?
…..
EDIT
: Just a thought — do you perhaps want to say I will make sure that I keep you in contact and updated about the status of that purchase
?
Last edited: Jun 11, 2011
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#19
Hello Guys,
I respect your expertise and appreciate your helpful replies. Still I have to point out that speaking, writing and reading English is not just a matter of being «a native» (This is quite an insult). It’s all about learning I am sorry so please stay objective in your replies. I agree with you that the first sentence is wrong. [ exactly — just — precisely — simply are all synonyms ] this still stands and it is up to you to find out.
«Just» has several meanings, one of them being «exactly». In your sentence however — as has been pointed out by several people — the meaning is not «exactly» but «simply» or «merely». So in this particular context they are
not
synonyms. «Exactly» is not a synonym of «simply» or «merely», which is what you want to say here, and is therefore incorrect. Hope this helps.
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#20
[ exactly — just — precisely — simply are all synonyms ] this still stands and it is up to you to find out.
ct — you still have not told us where you have gained an understanding that being «synonyms» means «always» being interchangeable — that is what I would like to find out It is up to you to tell us where this is written.
If
that is the understanding then the
[ exactly — just — precisely — simply are all synonyms ]
is simply just wrong
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#21
Hello Guys,
I respect your expertise and appreciate your helpful replies. Still I have to point out that speaking, writing and reading English is not just a matter of being «a native» (This is quite an insult).
No, but it does help to know what you are talking about. In this case, you are in error, and repeatedly insisting on your erroneous understanding of how «exactly» and «just» may be used in English, with the clear implication that all the native speakers of the language who use these words regularly and who are trying to assist you are wrong, is itself not merely insulting, but arrogant.
[ exactly — just — precisely — simply are all synonyms ] this still stands and it is up to you to find out.
As the words cannot be used interchangeably in all cases, they are NOT always synonyms. I have no idea why you refuse to acknowledge this fact, but it certainly is not «up to us» to «find out» the contrary merely to please you.
Last edited: Jun 12, 2011
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#22
Just a thought — do you perhaps want to say I will make sure that I keep you in contact and updated about the status of that purchase?
Welcome to the forums, Ct1man. English is a very frustrating language to comprehend sometimes.
Words can mean the same thing in one circumstance, and not be correct to use in others.
I think The Loobinator makes a very good point. Neither of your sentences make sense to my ears.
What Loobie has suggested here seems to be closer to what you’re looking for.
Please take time to read it and offer your feedback, okay?
You’re not wrong, you know. Your words can sometimes be used to mean the same thing, but they don’t work at all in your sentences.
What I would like to have you do: explain what it is you’re trying to convey, not in a final sentence, but just sharing your thoughts on your goal here.
Ramble, if you want. Throw out thoughts that explain what you want to say, using other words.
I promise you this approach will give us ideas on where to lead you.
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#23
Ct1man,
Your dictionary did not lie to you. These words are synonyms, but not always. When you look up synonyms in the Thesaurus, you have to look under which meaning the synonyms are listed.
In your case just is used as an adverb. Its synonyms are «exactly,» «precisely,» «totally,»…. The list goes on and on. An example would be : «She is just right for the job.» In this case, you can substitute «just» with «exactly» or «precisely» and the meaning is somewhat the same.
The use of «just» in your original post does not have the same meaning. It actually means «barely» or «nothing more and nothing less» as it has been pointed out.
I hope this reply helps you understand the issue.