“Just” vs. “Only”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “just” and “only”

  • Just emphasizes simplicity or clarity, while only emphasizes limitation or exclusivity.
  • Just can be used in a broader range of situations than only.
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What is the definition of “just” and “only”?

Just
  • Just means "simply" or "only" and is used to emphasize or clarify a statement.
  • It can also mean "very recently" or "not long ago".
  • Just can be used as an adverb, adjective, or verb.
Only
  • Only means "solely" or "exclusively" and is used to indicate a limited or restricted quantity or status.
  • It can also mean "merely" or "no more than" in reference to a small amount or degree.
  • Only is an adverb that is often used with adjectives and verbs to express a limitation or exception.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Only” is the more popular variant on the web.
Just
10,010,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Just give me a minute to catch my breath.
  2. I just saw a shooting star!
  3. Can you grab me just a little bit more sugar, please?
More popular
Only
16,340,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I can come to the party, but only for an hour.
  2. The store only had one left in stock.
  3. He was the only person who could fix the problem.
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