Just-Only | Commonly Confused Words
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Just vs. Only

Just

/dʒʌst/
Fair or morally right, based on law or ethics

Examples:

I just got home.She is just starting her new job.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Only

/ˈəʊnli/
Used to indicate that no more than what is mentioned is involved or possible

Examples:

We have only one cat.I will only eat pizza for dinner.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Just often implies fairness or morality, while only is more about exclusivity or limitation.
  • When something is just done, it may imply it was recently completed; whereas only may exclude other possibilities.
  • Use just for emphasis or to soften the statement, while only restricts or specifies one element.
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