Just vs. Simply — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 21, 2024
Just often means exactly or recently, while simply means in a straightforward or uncomplicated manner.
Difference Between Just and Simply
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Just can indicate exactness or precision. For instance, "She arrived just in time" means she arrived exactly at the needed moment. Simply, on the other hand, suggests ease or lack of complexity. For example, "She explained it simply" means she explained it in an easy-to-understand way.
Just is also used to denote recent actions or events. For example, "I just finished my homework" means the homework was completed very recently. Simply does not convey any sense of time but focuses on the manner of action or description. For instance, "He simply walked away" indicates that his departure was straightforward and uncomplicated.
In other contexts, just can mean only or merely, implying limitation. For example, "It's just a scratch" downplays the severity of the injury. Conversely, simply can emphasize the fundamental or essential nature of something. For example, "Simply put, it's a bad idea" emphasizes clarity and simplicity in explanation.
Just can also express fairness or reasonableness. For example, "That's just not right" means it is not fair. Simply, when used similarly, emphasizes the lack of complexity rather than fairness. For instance, "Simply, that's how it works" indicates a straightforward explanation.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Exactness, recentness, limitation
Straightforwardness, lack of complexity
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Temporal Aspect
Can indicate recent actions/events
Does not convey time
Emphasis
Exactitude or fairness
Simplicity and clarity
Usage Example
"She just arrived"
"He simply explained it"
Connotation
Can imply limitation or precision
Implies ease or straightforwardness
Compare with Definitions
Just
Exactly or precisely.
The train arrived just on time.
Simply
Merely or only.
It's simply a matter of time.
Just
Very recently.
I just finished reading the book.
Simply
Plainly or clearly.
He spoke simply and directly.
Just
Merely or only.
It's just a minor issue.
Simply
Without adornment or embellishment.
The room was simply decorated.
Just
Fair or reasonable.
It's just to share the benefits equally.
Simply
In a straightforward or plain manner
She spoke simply and from the heart
Just
Honorable and fair in one's dealings and actions
A just ruler. ].
Simply
Merely; just
Simply complete the application form
Just
Variant of joust.
Simply
In a plain and unadorned way
Dresses simply.
Just
Factually right, correct; factual.
It is a just assessment of the facts.
Simply
In an unambiguous way; clearly
Explained the concept simply.
Just
Rationally right, correct.
Simply
Not wisely or sensibly; foolishly.
Just
Morally right; upright, righteous, equitable; fair.
It looks like a just solution at first glance.
Simply
Merely; only
It is simply a matter of time.
Just
Proper, adequate.
Simply
Absolutely; altogether
Simply delicious.
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.
Simply
Frankly; candidly
You are, quite simply, the best candidate for the job.
Just
(sentence adverb) Used to reduce the force of an imperative; simply.
Just follow the directions on the box.
Simply
(manner) In a simple way or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; alone.
Just
Used to convey a less serious or formal tone
I just called to say "hi".
Simply
(manner) Plainly; without art or subtlety
Just
Used to show humility.
Lord, we just want to thank You and praise Your Name.
Simply
(manner) Foolishly; stupidly.
Just
(degree) absolutely, positively
It is just splendid!
Simply
(focus) Merely; solely.
I was simply asking a question.
Just
Moments ago, recently.
They just left, but you may leave a message at the desk.
Simply
(degree) absolutely, positively.
That was a simply wonderful dessert.
Just
By a narrow margin; closely; nearly.
The fastball just missed my head!
The piece just might fit.
Simply
Frankly.
Simply, he just fired you.
Just
Exactly, precisely, perfectly.
He wants everything just right for the big day.
Simply
In a simple manner or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; along; merely; solely; barely.
[They] make that now good or evil, . . . which otherwise of itself were not simply the one or the other.
Simply the thing I amShall make me live.
Just
(slang) Expressing dismay or discontent.
Simply
Plainly; without art or subtlety.
Subverting worldly strong and worldly wiseBy simply meek.
Just
A joust, tournament.
Simply
Weakly; foolishly.
Just
To joust, fight a tournament.
Simply
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
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.
Simply
Absolutely; altogether; really;
We are simply broke
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.
Simply
In a simple manner; without extravagance or embellishment;
She was dressed plainly
They lived very simply
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.
Simply
Absolutely;
I just can't take it anymore
He was just grand as Romeo
It's simply beautiful!
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.
Simply
In an easy or uncomplicated manner.
She simply explained the instructions.
Just
Closely; nearly; almost.
Just at the point of death.
Simply
Fundamentally or essentially.
Simply put, we need to act now.
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
Barely or by a small margin.
He just made it through the door before it closed.
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between just and simply?
Just often indicates exactness or recentness, while simply suggests straightforwardness or lack of complexity.
Can just mean exactly?
Yes, just can mean exactly or precisely.
Is simply used to emphasize ease?
Yes, simply emphasizes straightforwardness or lack of complexity.
Can simply be used to clarify?
Yes, simply can be used to provide a clear, straightforward explanation.
Can simply mean fundamentally?
Yes, simply can mean essentially or fundamentally.
Can just be used to mean only?
Yes, just can mean merely or only, indicating limitation.
Does simply ever indicate time?
No, simply does not convey any sense of time.
Can just imply fairness?
Yes, just can express fairness or reasonableness.
Is just often used in expressions of exact timing?
Yes, such as "just in time."
Does simply imply plainness?
Yes, simply can mean plainly or without adornment.
Does simply imply complication?
No, simply implies the opposite—lack of complication.
Is just used to describe recent actions?
Yes, just can indicate actions that occurred very recently.
Is just more versatile in usage than simply?
Yes, just has a broader range of meanings and uses.
Does just imply limitation?
Yes, just can imply limitation, as in "just a few."
Can just and simply be used interchangeably?
Not always, as their meanings differ based on context.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
