rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryjustOnly
adverb

just

Exactly the amount or extent specified, with nothing beyond it.

The recipe calls for just one teaspoon of salt.

Etymology
justFrenchexactly

The older word means exactly. This limiting sense preserves precise extent, allowing the stated amount and excluding anything beyond it.

More examples

  • This jacket is just the right size.
  • We have just enough gas to reach the station.
  • I need just a minute to finish this.

Similar words

only
Emphasizes a limit without necessarily suggesting precision or narrowness.
exactly
Emphasizes precision rather than a small amount or narrow margin.
barely
Emphasizes reaching a threshold by the smallest margin.