Just vs. Exactly: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 4, 2023
Just vs. Exactly: "Just" often implies "only" or "recently," while "Exactly" emphasizes precision or correctness.
Key Differences
"Just" and "Exactly" are both adverbs, but they convey different nuances in language. "Just" frequently implies a sense of "only," "merely," or "recently." On the other hand, "Exactly" places emphasis on precision, correctness, or being on point.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
When someone says, "I just arrived," the word "Just" indicates a recent action. If someone mentions, "That's exactly what I meant," the term "Exactly" is underlining the accuracy of the statement in relation to their intentions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
"Just" can also be used to convey minimalism or to highlight a singular aspect, as in "It's just a scratch." Meanwhile, "Exactly" can stress the correctness or exact match of something, like when someone responds with "Exactly!" to a statement they wholly agree with.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
In expressions of time, "Just" often suggests proximity, like "The bus just left." Whereas "Exactly" indicates precision in timing, for instance, "The meeting starts at exactly 3 PM."
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
While both "Just" and "Exactly" can be utilized for emphasis in sentences, the nature of the emphasis differs. "Just" frequently downplays, while "Exactly" often amplifies precision or agreement.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Often implies "only" or "recently."
Emphasizes precision or correctness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Use in Time
Suggests proximity (e.g., just arrived).
Indicates precision (e.g., exactly 2 hours ago).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Emphasis
Can downplay or highlight a singular aspect.
Amplifies precision or agreement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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Just and Exactly Definitions
Exactly
At that very moment or in that very spot.
She stood exactly where the arrow pointed.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Exactly
Used to emphasize the precision of a statement or action.
That's exactly what I was thinking!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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Exactly
Used to show agreement or confirmation.
You think it's a bad idea? Exactly.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Exactly
In an accurate or correct manner.
He described the scene exactly as it happened.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Just
Morally right; upright, righteous, equitable; fair.
It looks like a just solution at first glance.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Exactly
(focus) Precisely, used to provide emphasis.
He did it that way exactly to prove the point.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Exactly
Signifies agreement or recognition.
So you're saying that we have only three days left? — Yes, exactly!
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Just
(sentence adverb) Used to reduce the force of an imperative; simply.
Just follow the directions on the box.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Just
Used to show humility.
Lord, we just want to thank You and praise Your Name.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Just
Moments ago, recently.
They just left, but you may leave a message at the desk.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Just
By a narrow margin; closely; nearly.
The fastball just missed my head!
The piece just might fit.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Just
Exactly, precisely, perfectly.
He wants everything just right for the big day.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
Just
Absolutely;
I just can't take it anymore
He was just grand as Romeo
It's simply beautiful!
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 23, 2022
FAQs
Can "Just" indicate something that happened in the near past?
Yes, like in "I just finished my work."
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can "Just" and "Exactly" be used interchangeably?
Not always. While both can be used for emphasis, "Just" often means "recently" or "only," and "Exactly" stresses precision.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can "Just" imply something minimal or insignificant?
Yes, e.g., "It's just a scratch."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is "Just" always an adverb?
Mostly, but "just" can also be an adjective meaning "fair" or "righteous."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Does "Exactly" only modify verbs?
No, "Exactly" can modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can "Exactly" refer to a specific location?
Yes, e.g., "She was standing exactly here."
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
What's the opposite of "Exactly" in terms of accuracy?
"Approximately" or "roughly."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can "Just" be used to indicate exactness?
Yes, in contexts like "This is just what I wanted."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Does "Exactly" always indicate numerical accuracy?
No, "Exactly" can also emphasize agreement or the correctness of a statement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
How does "Just" function in the phrase "just in time"?
"Just" emphasizes the narrowness of the timing, meaning barely or at the last moment.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Can "Exactly" be used to ask for clarification?
Yes, as in "What exactly are you implying?"
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Is "Just" used in expressions of surprise?
Yes, e.g., "I was just thinking about you!"
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Can "Just" indicate fairness?
When used as an adjective, yes. E.g., "a just decision."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
How does "Exactly" function in the phrase "not exactly"?
It conveys a lack of total agreement or correctness, meaning "not quite" or "not fully."
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Can "Exactly" be used in mathematical contexts?
Yes, to indicate precise values, like "It's exactly 10 inches long."
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can "Exactly" be used for emphasis in agreement?
Yes, like responding with "Exactly!" to show strong agreement.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Is "Just" always used in a positive context?
No, it can be neutral or negative, e.g., "I just don't understand."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Does "Exactly" always indicate total precision?
Mostly, but context matters. Sometimes it emphasizes agreement more than numerical precision.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
