Just vs. Exactly: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
"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.
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."
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.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Often implies "only" or "recently."
Emphasizes precision or correctness.
Use in Time
Suggests proximity (e.g., just arrived).
Indicates precision (e.g., exactly 2 hours ago).
Emphasis
Can downplay or highlight a singular aspect.
Amplifies precision or agreement.
Colloquial Usage
"I just don't get it."
"That's exactly right."
Grammatical Role
Often used as an adverb.
Typically used as an adverb.
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Just and Exactly Definitions
Just
Merely or only.
It's just a small issue.
Exactly
At that very moment or in that very spot.
She stood exactly where the arrow pointed.
Just
Emphasizing immediacy.
I just want to go home.
Exactly
Used to emphasize the precision of a statement or action.
That's exactly what I was thinking!
Just
By a narrow margin; barely.
He just missed the bus.
Exactly
Used to show agreement or confirmation.
You think it's a bad idea? Exactly.
Just
Indicating exactness or suitability.
It's just what I needed.
Exactly
In an accurate or correct manner.
He described the scene exactly as it happened.
Just
Honorable and fair in one's dealings and actions
A just ruler. ].
Exactly
No more, no less; just.
There were exactly five apples left.
Just
Variant of joust.
Exactly
In an exact manner; accurately.
Just
Factually right, correct; factual.
It is a just assessment of the facts.
Exactly
In all respects; just
Do exactly as you please.
Just
Rationally right, correct.
Exactly
As you say. Used to indicate agreement.
Just
Morally right; upright, righteous, equitable; fair.
It looks like a just solution at first glance.
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
Proper, adequate.
Exactly
(focus) Precisely, used to provide emphasis.
He did it that way exactly to prove the point.
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
Signifies agreement or recognition.
So you're saying that we have only three days left? — Yes, exactly!
Just
(sentence adverb) Used to reduce the force of an imperative; simply.
Just follow the directions on the box.
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
Used to convey a less serious or formal tone
I just called to say "hi".
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 show humility.
Lord, we just want to thank You and praise Your Name.
Exactly
Just as it should be;
`Precisely, my lord,' he said
Just
(degree) absolutely, positively
It is just splendid!
Exactly
In a precise manner;
She always expressed herself precisely
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
Just
Recently or a short time ago.
She just left the office.
FAQs
Can "Just" indicate something that happened in the near past?
Yes, like in "I just finished my work."
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.
Can "Just" imply something minimal or insignificant?
Yes, e.g., "It's just a scratch."
Can "Exactly" be used in questions?
Yes, e.g., "What exactly do you mean?"
Is "Just" always an adverb?
Mostly, but "just" can also be an adjective meaning "fair" or "righteous."
Does "Exactly" only modify verbs?
No, "Exactly" can modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
Can "Exactly" refer to a specific location?
Yes, e.g., "She was standing exactly here."
What's the opposite of "Exactly" in terms of accuracy?
"Approximately" or "roughly."
Can "Just" be used to indicate exactness?
Yes, in contexts like "This is just what I wanted."
Does "Exactly" always indicate numerical accuracy?
No, "Exactly" can also emphasize agreement or the correctness of a statement.
How does "Just" function in the phrase "just in time"?
"Just" emphasizes the narrowness of the timing, meaning barely or at the last moment.
Can "Exactly" be used to ask for clarification?
Yes, as in "What exactly are you implying?"
Is "Just" used in expressions of surprise?
Yes, e.g., "I was just thinking about you!"
Can "Just" indicate fairness?
When used as an adjective, yes. E.g., "a just decision."
How does "Exactly" function in the phrase "not exactly"?
It conveys a lack of total agreement or correctness, meaning "not quite" or "not fully."
Can "Exactly" be used in mathematical contexts?
Yes, to indicate precise values, like "It's exactly 10 inches long."
Can "Exactly" be used for emphasis in agreement?
Yes, like responding with "Exactly!" to show strong agreement.
Can "Just" be used to mean "simply"?
Yes, like "I just want to help."
Is "Just" always used in a positive context?
No, it can be neutral or negative, e.g., "I just don't understand."
Does "Exactly" always indicate total precision?
Mostly, but context matters. Sometimes it emphasizes agreement more than numerical precision.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
