Just vs. Exactly — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 15, 2024
"Just" implies precision or sufficiency, often used to denote something barely adequate or exact, whereas "exactly" emphasizes absolute accuracy or agreement.
Difference Between Just and Exactly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The word "just" can convey the minimal sufficiency, suggesting something meets only the necessary criteria, while "exactly" stresses complete precision or correctness in measurement or description.
In contexts of fairness or legality, "just" refers to what is morally right or deserved, whereas "exactly" does not carry such connotations.
When timing is considered, saying "just now" implies a recent occurrence very close to the present moment, contrasting with "exactly," which would denote a specific, pinpointed time.
In expressions of agreement, one might say "just so" to indicate that something is precisely the way it should be, while "exactly" in responses confirms total agreement or correctness without implying any moral judgment.
In usage, "just" often modifies verbs to suggest a recent or imminent action, as in "just arrived," whereas "exactly" modifies nouns or adjectives, enhancing their precision, such as in "exactly the right amount."
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Barely sufficient or adequate; morally right
Completely accurate; precise agreement
Usage in context
"He just made the train."
"She got the answer exactly right."
Connotations
Minimal sufficiency, fairness
Absolute precision, specificity
Common phrases
"just now," "just right"
"exactly right," "exactly at"
Modifies
Often verbs (action-oriented)
Nouns or adjectives (detail-oriented)
Compare with Definitions
Just
Barely, by a small margin.
She just missed hitting the tree.
Exactly
Used to confirm statements.
It costs $50. Exactly.
Just
Fair, deserved.
It was a just punishment for the crime.
Exactly
Identically, without variation.
The two paintings look exactly alike.
Just
Only, merely.
He was just a child when he learned to play chess.
Exactly
In a precise manner.
He followed the instructions exactly.
Just
Very recently.
I just saw them a minute ago.
Exactly
Completely accurate.
Her prediction was exactly right.
Just
Exactly, precisely.
This is just what I needed!
Exactly
Used for emphasis.
That is exactly what I meant.
Just
Honorable and fair in one's dealings and actions
A just ruler. ].
Exactly
In an exact manner; accurately.
Just
Variant of joust.
Exactly
In all respects; just
Do exactly as you please.
Just
Factually right, correct; factual.
It is a just assessment of the facts.
Exactly
As you say. Used to indicate agreement.
Just
Rationally right, correct.
Exactly
(manner) Without approximation; precisely.
Measure exactly so we can be sure it is right.
The edge is not exactly straight.
He divided the coins exactly in half.
Just
Morally right; upright, righteous, equitable; fair.
It looks like a just solution at first glance.
Exactly
(focus) Precisely, used to provide emphasis.
He did it that way exactly to prove the point.
Just
Proper, adequate.
Exactly
Signifies agreement or recognition.
So you're saying that we have only three days left? — Yes, exactly!
Just
Only, simply, merely.
Plant just a few tomatoes, unless you can freeze or dry them.
He calls it vermilion, but it's just red to me.
Exactly
In an exact manner; precisely according to a rule, standard, or fact; accurately; strictly; correctly; nicely.
His enemies were pleased, for he had acted exactly as their interests required.
Just
(sentence adverb) Used to reduce the force of an imperative; simply.
Just follow the directions on the box.
Exactly
Indicating exactness or preciseness;
He was doing precisely (or exactly) what she had told him to do
It was just as he said--the jewel was gone
It has just enough salt
Just
Used to convey a less serious or formal tone
I just called to say "hi".
Exactly
Just as it should be;
`Precisely, my lord,' he said
Just
Used to show humility.
Lord, we just want to thank You and praise Your Name.
Exactly
In a precise manner;
She always expressed herself precisely
Just
(degree) absolutely, positively
It is just splendid!
Just
Moments ago, recently.
They just left, but you may leave a message at the desk.
Just
By a narrow margin; closely; nearly.
The fastball just missed my head!
The piece just might fit.
Just
Exactly, precisely, perfectly.
He wants everything just right for the big day.
Just
(slang) Expressing dismay or discontent.
Just
A joust, tournament.
Just
To joust, fight a tournament.
Just
Conforming or conformable to rectitude or justice; not doing wrong to any; violating no right or obligation; upright; righteous; honest; true; - said both of persons and things.
There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Just balances, just weights, . . . shall ye have.
How should man be just with God?
We know your grace to be a man.Just and upright.
Just
Not transgressing the requirement of truth and propriety; conformed to the truth of things, to reason, or to a proper standard; exact; normal; reasonable; regular; due; as, a just statement; a just inference.
Just of thy word, in every thought sincere.
The prince is here at hand: pleaseth your lordshipTo meet his grace just distance 'tween our armies.
He was a comely personage, a little above just stature.
Fire fitted with just materials casts a constant heat.
When allThe war shall stand ranged in its just array.
Their names alone would make a just volume.
Just
Rendering or disposed to render to each one his due; equitable; fair; impartial; as, just judge.
Men are commonly so just to virtue and goodness as to praise it in others, even when they do not practice it themselves.
Just
Precisely; exactly; - in place, time, or degree; neither more nor less than is stated.
And having just enough, not covet more.
The god Pan guided my hand just to the heart of the beast.
To-night, at Herne's oak, just 'twixt twelve and one.
Just
Closely; nearly; almost.
Just at the point of death.
Just
Barely; merely; scarcely; only; by a very small space or time; as, he just missed the train; just too late.
A soft Etesian galeBut just inspired and gently swelled the sail.
Just
To joust.
Just
A joust.
Just
Used especially of what is legally or ethically right or proper or fitting;
A just and lasting peace
A kind and just man
A just reward
His just inheritance
Just
Implying justice dictated by reason, conscience, and a natural sense of what is fair to all;
Equitable treatment of all citizens
An equitable distribution of gifts among the children
Just
Free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; or conforming with established standards or rules;
A fair referee
Fair deal
On a fair footing
A fair fight
By fair means or foul
Just
Of moral excellence;
A genuinely good person
A just cause
An upright and respectable man
The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous
Just
And nothing more;
I was merely asking
It is simply a matter of time
Just a scratch
He was only a child
Hopes that last but a moment
Just
Indicating exactness or preciseness;
He was doing precisely (or exactly) what she had told him to do
It was just as he said--the jewel was gone
It has just enough salt
Just
Only a moment ago;
He has just arrived
The sun just now came out
Just
Absolutely;
I just can't take it anymore
He was just grand as Romeo
It's simply beautiful!
Just
By a small margin;
They could barely hear the speaker
We hardly knew them
Just missed being hit
Had scarcely rung the bell when the door flew open
Would have scarce arrived before she would have found some excuse to leave
Common Curiosities
What are some examples where "just" is preferable to "exactly"?
In contexts where minimal adequacy, immediacy, or moral correctness are highlighted, "just" is preferable.
Is "just" used more subjectively than "exactly"?
Yes, "just" can be more subjective, often related to fairness or adequacy, unlike the objective precision of "exactly."
What is the difference in use between "just" and "exactly"?
"Just" often implies sufficiency or recency, while "exactly" denotes precise accuracy.
Can "just" and "exactly" be used interchangeably?
In some contexts concerning precision they might overlap, but generally, they serve different emphases.
How do modifiers differ between "just" and "exactly"?
"Just" frequently modifies verbs to imply time or sufficiency, whereas "exactly" modifies nouns or adjectives to emphasize accuracy.
Can "just" imply a temporal aspect more than "exactly"?
Yes, "just" often has a temporal implication, such as in "just now" or "just then."
Which term is more versatile in conversational English?
"Just" is generally more versatile, used in a variety of contexts from timing to adequacy.
How does the emotional tone differ between "just" and "exactly"?
"Just" can convey a simpler or minimal tone, whereas "exactly" often carries a tone of exactitude and emphasis.
What contexts are most appropriate for "exactly"?
When discussing exact amounts, precise details, or when confirming information accurately, "exactly" is most appropriate.
Are there any idiomatic expressions unique to "just" or "exactly"?
Yes, expressions like "just in time" or "exactly right" showcase unique uses of each word.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
