Key Difference: Only and Just are two different words in the English language. But many people use these two words interchangeably, without knowing their exact meaning. The term “Only” refers to a single and unique thing. Whereas, just refers to something that has happened a moment ago or a fact. In this article, we will see the contradictions between these two terms with proper explanations and examples.
Only: I want only one box of chocolates.
Just: My home is just there.
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Only:
Refers to the Single Object.
We can use the word “Only” when we want to represent a single or unique thing. It can be used as an adverb or adjective. This word can replace the words solely, exclusively, and alone. Let’s see an example to make it clear. This is the only paint brush I can find out in this room. From this statement, we might understand that there is only one paintbrush in this room. Here, we come up with another example. You are the only person I trust. In this sentence, we might understand that someone tells that he/she trusts only one person.
How Do We Spell the Word Only?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Only is ˈəʊnli. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllables are phonological building blocks of words. It divides the words into parts that can help you read words more accurately. Let’s see how to split the word affect using syllables. Learning syllables can also help you to spell words correctly.
- The word “Only” has two syllables.
- It can be divided as “on-ly.”
Using “Only” in sentences:
- She is the only baby in our family.
- Ronnie was the only one who arranged all the things.
- He played only when he feels down.
- There is only one flower in the garden.
- He ate only pasta.
Just:
Refers to a fact.
The term “Just” refers to the fact statement or a finished work a moment ago. This word can be used as an adverb or adjective. It represents fair, justice, and rightful things. Here, we come up with an example to make it clear for you. He just gave me a pen. From this statement, we might understand that He gives a pen a moment ago. Let’s see one more example for your understanding. That was just a beautiful place. From this example, we might understand that, someone said the fact and stated that the place was so beautiful.
How Do We Spell the Word Just?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Just is dʒʌst. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “Just” by syllables.
- The word “Just” has only one syllable.
- It cannot be divided.
Using “Just” in sentences:
- I just did the work.
- Just now we finished dinner.
- They just want you to tell the truth.
- Just give me a moment, I will check.
- I have just told you.
Compare: Only Vs Just
This table will show you the contradiction between the words Only and Just.
| Only | Just | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It refers to a single or unique thing. | Refers to morally right and fair things. |
| Synonyms | at most, at best, single, unique, individual, exclusive. | Fair, objective, open-minded, righteous, good, decent |
| Parts of Speech | Adverb or adjective | Adverb or adjective |
| Etymology | Old English ānlic (adjective) (see one, -ly1). | late Middle English: via Old French from Latin justus, from jus ‘law, right’. |
| Examples | He likes to eat only simple food. I can only imagine now. She is the only tall girl in our school. Jacob only bought one ice cream. It’s only 3 AM. | Just now we find the cat. I just want to thank you for your help. She just asked me to go somewhere. I just want you to be on my side. Just now she went outside of this shop. |
Resources and References:
Resources: Cambridge Dictionary (Only, Just), Merriam-Webster (Only, Just), Collins Dictionary (Only, Just), Dictionary.com (Only, Just)
Reference: Dictionary.Cambridge.org[1], Merriam-Webster.com[2], CollinsDictionary.com[3], Dictionary.com[4].