Just vs. Right — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 14, 2024
"Just" implies fairness and morality within the context of law or ethics, while "right" denotes correctness or entitlement, often referring to a moral, legal, or factual basis.
Difference Between Just and Right
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Just" is commonly associated with the principles of fairness, equity, and moral righteousness, especially in legal and ethical discussions. It emphasizes the importance of actions and decisions being in alignment with moral and ethical standards. "Right," on the other hand, can refer to being factually correct, morally or legally entitled to something, or conforming to an accepted standard or truth.
In legal contexts, a "just" decision is one that is deemed fair and equitable, taking into consideration the balance of rights, responsibilities, and the moral implications of the decision. A "right," however, is a recognized entitlement or privilege granted by legal, ethical, or social principles, such as the right to free speech or the right to privacy.
Ethically, a "just" action is one that adheres to principles of justice, fairness, and morality, often requiring a balance of various ethical considerations. A "right" action, in ethical terms, is one that is in accordance with what is morally correct, though this can vary based on different ethical theories and cultural norms.
In everyday usage, "just" can be used to emphasize fairness or rightful action in various situations, from interpersonal relationships to societal norms. "Right" is often used more broadly, to indicate correctness in facts, actions, opinions, or entitlements.
Both terms play significant roles in philosophical discussions, particularly in ethics and political philosophy, where debates about what is "just" and what is "right" shape theories of justice, rights, and governance.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Adhering to principles of fairness, equity, and morality.
Conforming to fact, reason, or some standard of correctness; an entitlement or privilege.
Context
Legal, ethical, and moral discussions.
Legal, moral, ethical, and factual contexts.
Focus
Fairness and moral righteousness.
Correctness, entitlement, or adherence to a standard.
Legal Perspective
Decisions or actions deemed fair and equitable.
Recognized entitlements or privileges.
Ethical Perspective
Actions that are morally right and adhere to principles of justice.
Actions or beliefs that are in accordance with moral or ethical correctness.
Compare with Definitions
Just
In accordance with what is morally right and fair.
The judge made a just decision in the case.
Right
In accordance with what is morally, legally, or ethically correct.
Standing up for what is right is important.
Just
Based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair.
She was known for her just treatment of employees.
Right
A moral or legal entitlement to have or do something.
Everyone has the right to freedom of speech.
Just
Exactly or precisely at this or that moment.
The train arrived just as I got to the station.
Right
To the furthest or most complete extent or degree (absolute).
The vase fell right off the shelf.
Just
Only or merely.
It's just a small scratch on the car.
Right
True or correct as a fact.
His predictions turned out to be right.
Just
By a narrow margin; barely.
I just missed the bus this morning.
Right
In a satisfactory, sound, or normal state or condition.
After the repair, everything was right with the car.
Just
Honorable and fair in one's dealings and actions
A just ruler. ].
Right
Conforming with or conformable to justice, law, or morality
Do the right thing and confess.
Just
Variant of joust.
Right
In accordance with fact, reason, or truth; correct
The right answer.
Just
Factually right, correct; factual.
It is a just assessment of the facts.
Right
Fitting, proper, or appropriate
It is not right to leave the party without saying goodbye.
Just
Rationally right, correct.
Right
Most favorable, desirable, or convenient
The right time to act.
Just
Morally right; upright, righteous, equitable; fair.
It looks like a just solution at first glance.
Right
In or into a satisfactory state or condition
Put things right.
Just
Proper, adequate.
Right
In good mental or physical health or order.
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.
Right
Intended to be worn or positioned facing outward or toward an observer
The right side of the dress.
Made sure that the right side of the fabric was visible.
Just
(sentence adverb) Used to reduce the force of an imperative; simply.
Just follow the directions on the box.
Right
Of, belonging to, located on, or being the side of the body to the south when the subject is facing east.
Just
Used to convey a less serious or formal tone
I just called to say "hi".
Right
Of, relating to, directed toward, or located on the right side.
Just
Used to show humility.
Lord, we just want to thank You and praise Your Name.
Right
Located on the right side of a person facing downstream
The right bank of a river.
Just
(degree) absolutely, positively
It is just splendid!
Right
Often Right Of or belonging to the political or intellectual right.
Just
Moments ago, recently.
They just left, but you may leave a message at the desk.
Right
Formed by or in reference to a line or plane that is perpendicular to another line or plane.
Just
By a narrow margin; closely; nearly.
The fastball just missed my head!
The piece just might fit.
Right
Having the axis perpendicular to the base
Right cone.
Just
Exactly, precisely, perfectly.
He wants everything just right for the big day.
Right
Having a right angle
A right triangle.
Just
(slang) Expressing dismay or discontent.
Right
Straight; uncurved; direct
A right line.
Just
A joust, tournament.
Right
(Archaic) Not spurious; genuine.
Just
To joust, fight a tournament.
Right
That which is just, moral, or proper.
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.
Right
The direction or position on the right side.
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.
Right
The right side.
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.
Right
The right hand.
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.
Right
A turn in the direction of the right hand or side.
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.
Right
The people and groups who advocate the adoption of conservative or reactionary measures, especially in government and politics. Also called right wing.
Just
To joust.
Right
The opinion of those advocating such measures.
Just
A joust.
Right
(Sports) A blow delivered by a boxer's right hand.
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
Right
(Baseball) Right field.
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
Right
A just or legal claim or title.
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
Right
Something that is due to a person or governmental body by law, tradition, or nature.
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
Right
Something, especially humane treatment, claimed to be due to animals by moral principle.
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
Right
An existing stockholder's legally protected claim to purchase additional shares in a corporation ahead of those who are not currently stockholders, especially at a cost lower than market value.
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
Right
The negotiable paper on which such an entitlement is indicated.
Just
Only a moment ago;
He has just arrived
The sun just now came out
Right
Toward or on the right.
Just
Absolutely;
I just can't take it anymore
He was just grand as Romeo
It's simply beautiful!
Right
In a straight line; directly
Went right to school.
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
Right
In the proper or desired manner; well
The jacket doesn't fit right.
Right
Exactly; just
The accident happened right over there.
Right
Immediately
Called me right after dinner.
Right
Completely; quite
The icy wind blew right through me.
Right
According to law, morality, or justice.
Right
Accurately; correctly
Answered the question right.
Right
Chiefly Southern US Considerably; very
They have a right nice place.
Right
Used as an intensive
Kept right on going.
Right
Used in titles
The Right Reverend Jane Smith.
Right
To put in or restore to an upright or proper position
They righted their boat.
Right
To put in order or set right; correct
Measures designed to right generations of unfair labor practices.
Right
To make reparation or amends for; redress
Right a wrong.
Right
To regain an upright or proper position.
Right
(archaic) Straight, not bent.
A right line
Right
(geometry) Of an angle, having a size of 90 degrees, or one quarter of a complete rotation; the angle between two perpendicular lines.
The kitchen counter formed a right angle with the back wall.
Right
(geometry) Of a geometric figure, incorporating a right angle between edges, faces, axes, etc.
A right triangle, a right prism, a right cone
Right
Complying with justice, correctness or reason; correct, just, true.
I thought you'd made a mistake, but it seems you were right all along.
It's not right that one person gets all the credit for the group's work.
Right
Appropriate, perfectly suitable; fit for purpose.
Is this the right software for my computer?
Right
Healthy, sane, competent.
I'm afraid my father is no longer in his right mind.
Right
Real; veritable (used emphatically).
You've made a right mess of the kitchen!
Right
(Australia) All right; not requiring assistance.
Right
(dated) Most favourable or convenient; fortunate.
Right
Designating the side of the body which is positioned to the east if one is facing north. This arrow points to the reader's right: →
After the accident, her right leg was slightly shorter than her left.
Right
(geography) Designating the bank of a river (etc.) on one's right when facing downstream (i.e. facing forward while floating with the current); that is, the south bank of a river that flows eastward. If this arrow: ⥴ shows the direction of the current, the tilde is on the right side of the river.
Right
Designed to be placed or worn outward.
The right side of a piece of cloth
Right
(politics) Pertaining to the political right; conservative.
Right
On the right side.
Right
Towards the right side.
Right
Exactly, precisely.
The arrow landed right in the middle of the target.
Luckily we arrived right at the start of the film.
Right
Immediately, directly.
Can't you see it? It's right beside you!
Tom was standing right in front of the TV, blocking everyone's view.
Right
Very, extremely, quite.
I made a right stupid mistake there, didn't I?
I stubbed my toe a week ago and it still hurts right much.
Right
According to fact or truth; actually; truly; really.
Right
In a correct manner.
Do it right or don't do it at all.
Right
To a great extent or degree.
Sir, I am right glad to meet you …
Members of the Queen's Privy Council are styled The Right Honourable for life.
The Right Reverend Monsignor Guido Sarducci.
Right
Yes, that is correct; I agree.
Right
I agree with whatever you say; I have no opinion.
Right
Signpost word to change the subject in a discussion or discourse.
- After that interview, I don't think we should hire her.
- Right — who wants lunch?
- Right — who wants lunch?
Right
Used to check agreement at the end of an utterance.
You're going, right?
Right
Used to add seriousness or decisiveness before a statement.
Right
That which complies with justice, law or reason.
We're on the side of right in this contest.
Right
A legal, just or moral entitlement.
You have no right to go through my personal diary.
Right
The right side or direction.
The pharmacy is just on the right past the bookshop.
Right
The right hand or fist.
Right
The authority to perform, publish, film, or televise a particular work, event, etc.; a copyright.
Right
(politics) The ensemble of right-wing political parties; political conservatives as a group.
The political right holds too much power.
Right
The outward or most finished surface, as of a coin, piece of cloth, a carpet, etc.
Right
(surfing) A wave breaking from right to left (viewed from the shore).
Right
(transitive) To correct.
Righting all the wrongs of the war immediately will be impossible.
Right
(transitive) To set upright.
The tow-truck righted what was left of the automobile.
Right
(intransitive) To return to normal upright position.
When the wind died down, the ship righted.
Right
(transitive) To do justice to; to relieve from wrong; to restore rights to; to assert or regain the rights of.
To right the oppressed
Right
Straight; direct; not crooked; as, a right line.
Right
Upright; erect from a base; having an upright axis; not oblique; as, right ascension; a right pyramid or cone.
Right
Fit; suitable; proper; correct; becoming; as, the right man in the right place; the right way from London to Oxford.
Right
Conformed to the constitution of man and the will of God, or to justice and equity; not deviating from the true and just; according with truth and duty; just; true.
That which is conformable to the Supreme Rule is absolutely right, and is called right simply without relation to a special end.
Right
Characterized by reality or genuineness; real; actual; not spurious.
In this battle, . . . the Britons never more plainly manifested themselves to be right barbarians.
Right
According with truth; passing a true judgment; conforming to fact or intent; not mistaken or wrong; not erroneous; correct; as, this is the right faith.
You are right, Justice, and you weigh this well.
If there be no prospect beyond the grave, the inference is . . . right, "Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die."
Right
Most favorable or convenient; fortunate.
The lady has been disappointed on the right side.
Right
Of or pertaining to that side of the body in man on which the muscular action is usually stronger than on the other side; - opposed to left when used in reference to a part of the body; as, the right side, hand, arm. Also applied to the corresponding side of the lower animals.
Became the sovereign's favorite, his right hand.
Right
Well placed, disposed, or adjusted; orderly; well regulated; correctly done.
Right
Designed to be placed or worn outward; as, the right side of a piece of cloth.
"Right," cries his lordship.
Right
In a right manner.
Right
In a right or straight line; directly; hence; straightway; immediately; next; as, he stood right before me; it went right to the mark; he came right out; he followed right after the guide.
Unto Dian's temple goeth she right.
Let thine eyes look right on.
Right across its track there lay,Down in the water, a long reef of gold.
Right
Exactly; just.
Came he right now to sing a raven's note?
Right
According to the law or will of God; conforming to the standard of truth and justice; righteously; as, to live right; to judge right.
Right
According to any rule of art; correctly.
You with strict discipline instructed right.
Right
According to fact or truth; actually; truly; really; correctly; exactly; as, to tell a story right.
Right as it were a steed of Lumbardye.
His wounds so smarted that he slept right naught.
Right
In a great degree; very; wholly; unqualifiedly; extremely; highly; as, right humble; right noble; right valiant.
For which I should be right sorry.
[I] return those duties back as are right fit.
Right
That which is right or correct.
Seldom your opinions err;Your eyes are always in the right.
Right
A just judgment or action; that which is true or proper; justice; uprightness; integrity.
Long love to her has borne the faithful knight,And well deserved, had fortune done him right.
Right
That to which one has a just claim.
There are no rights whatever, without corresponding duties.
Right
That which one has a legal or social claim to do or to exact; legal power; authority; as, a sheriff has a right to arrest a criminal.
Born free, he sought his right.
Hast thou not right to all created things?
Men have no right to what is not reasonable.
Right
The right side; the side opposite to the left.
Led her to the Souldan's right.
Right
Privilege or immunity granted by authority.
Right
In some legislative bodies of Europe (as in France), those members collectively who are conservatives or monarchists. See Center, 5.
Right
The outward or most finished surface, as of a piece of cloth, a carpet, etc.
He should himself use it by right.
I should have been a woman by right.
Right
To bring or restore to the proper or natural position; to set upright; to make right or straight (that which has been wrong or crooked); to correct.
Right
To do justice to; to relieve from wrong; to restore rights to; to assert or regain the rights of; as, to right the oppressed; to right one's self; also, to vindicate.
So just is God, to right the innocent.
All experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
Right
To recover the proper or natural condition or position; to become upright.
Right
Hence, to regain an upright position, as a ship or boat, after careening.
Right
An abstract idea of that which is due to a person or governmental body by law or tradition or nature;
They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights
Certain rights can never be granted to the government but must be kept in the hands of the people
A right is not something that somebody gives you; it is something that nobody can take away
Right
(frequently plural) the interest possessed by law or custom in some intangible thing;
Mineral rights
Film rights
Right
Location near or direction toward the right side; i.e. the side to the south when a person or object faces east;
He stood on the right
Right
A turn to the right;
Take a right at the corner
Right
Those who support political or social or economic conservatism; those who believe that things are better left unchanged
Right
Anything in accord with principles of justice;
He feels he is in the right
The rightfulness of his claim
Right
The hand that is on the right side of the body;
He writes with his right hand but pitches with his left
Hit him with quick rights to the body
Right
The piece of ground in the outfield on the catcher's right
Right
Make reparations or amends for;
Right a wrongs done to the victims of the Holocaust
Right
Put in or restore to an upright position;
They righted the sailboat that had capsized
Right
Regain an upright or proper position;
The capsized boat righted again
Right
Make right or correct;
Correct the mistakes
Rectify the calculation
Right
Free from error; especially conforming to fact or truth;
The correct answer
The correct version
The right answer
Took the right road
The right decision
Right
Being or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the east when facing north;
My right hand
Right center field
A right-hand turn
The right bank of a river is the bank on your right side when you are facing downstream
Right
Socially right or correct;
It isn't right to leave the party without saying goodbye
Correct behavior
Right
In conformance with justice or law or morality;
Do the right thing and confess
Right
Correct in opinion or judgment;
Time proved him right
Right
Appropriate for a condition or occasion;
Everything in its proper place
The right man for the job
She is not suitable for the position
Right
Of or belonging to the political or intellectual left
Right
In or into a satisfactory condition;
Things are right again now
Put things right
Right
Intended for the right hand;
A right-hand glove
Right
In accord with accepted standards of usage or procedure;
What's the right word for this?
The right way to open oysters
Right
Having the axis perpendicular to the base;
A right angle
Right
Of the side of cloth or clothing intended to face outward;
The right side of the cloth showed the pattern
Be sure your shirt is right side out
Right
Most suitable or right for a particular purpose;
A good time to plant tomatoes
The right time to act
The time is ripe for great sociological changes
Right
Precisely, exactly;
Stand right here!
Right
Immediately;
She called right after dinner
Right
Exactly;
He fell flop on his face
Right
Toward or on the right; also used figuratively;
He looked right and left
The party has moved right
Right
In the right manner;
Please do your job properly!
Can't you carry me decent?
Right
An interjection expressing agreement
Right
Completely;
She felt right at home
He fell right into the trap
Right
(Southern regional intensive) very;
The baby is mighty cute
He's mighty tired
It is powerful humid
That boy is powerful big now
They have a right nice place
Right
In accordance with moral or social standards;
That serves him right
Do right by him
Right
In a correct manner;
He guessed right
Common Curiosities
Can "just" actions lead to unintended consequences?
"Just" actions, while intended to be fair and equitable, can sometimes lead to unintended consequences if not all outcomes or perspectives are fully considered.
How does "just" differ from "right" in a legal context?
In a legal context, "just" refers to decisions or actions deemed fair and equitable, while "right" refers to recognized entitlements or privileges.
Can an action be "just" but not "right"?
An action might be considered "just" within a specific ethical or legal framework if it aligns with principles of fairness, even if it might not be "right" according to another set of moral standards or factual correctness.
How do "just" and "right" relate to moral and ethical principles?
Both "just" and "right" are closely tied to moral and ethical principles; "just" emphasizes fairness and morality, while "right" pertains to what is morally, legally, or ethically correct.
How does society determine what is "just" or "right"?
Society determines what is "just" or "right" through legal systems, ethical discussions, cultural norms, and philosophical debates, which are influenced by historical, social, and cultural contexts.
Are "human rights" considered "just"?
Human rights are generally considered "just" because they are based on principles of fairness, equity, and respect for human dignity.
Can something be factually "right" but ethically questionable?
Yes, something can be factually "right" or correct but may still be ethically questionable if it conflicts with moral or ethical principles.
How do individual perceptions of what is "just" and "right" vary?
Individual perceptions of what is "just" and "right" can vary widely due to differences in personal values, cultural backgrounds, and ethical beliefs.
Is the concept of "natural rights" related to being "just" or "right"?
Natural rights are related to both concepts; they are considered "right" as fundamental entitlements inherent to all humans and "just" in promoting fairness and equity.
How do "just" and "right" guide judicial decisions?
Judicial decisions are guided by what is "just" in terms of fairness and equity within the legal framework, and what is "right" according to laws, statutes, and legal precedents.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
