Meaning & use
justly
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Meanings
adverb
In a fair and morally right way, according to what is deserved.
Grammar: Used to modify verbs or adjectives, e.g. 'act justly', 'justly proud'.
Patterns
- act justly
- be justly proud of something
- justly deserve something
The judge acted justly, giving each side a fair hearing.
She was justly proud of her students' hard work.
He justly deserved the award for his years of service.
adverb
With good reason; rightly or properly.
Grammar: Often used with 'can' or 'could' to mean 'with justification'.
Patterns
- can justly claim
- could justly be described as
- justly called
The city can justly claim to be the birthplace of the movement.
This period could justly be described as a golden age.
She is justly famous for her charity work.
Common combinations
- act justly
- We must act justly toward everyone, regardless of their background.
- justly proud
- The parents were justly proud of their daughter's achievements.
- justly deserve
- After such hard work, they justly deserve a break.
- justly famous
- The restaurant is justly famous for its fresh seafood.
Synonyms and how they differ
- fairly
- Focuses on equal treatment without bias; 'justly' often adds a moral or legal dimension.
- rightly
- Emphasizes correctness or appropriateness; 'justly' is stronger on fairness and desert.
- properly
- Means in a correct or suitable manner; 'justly' implies moral rightness.
Opposites
Word family
- just adjective
- Fair and morally right.
- justice noun
- Fairness in the way people are treated.
- justify verb
- To show that something is right or reasonable.
- justification noun
- A good reason for something.
Commonly confused: justly or just? justly or justifiably?
justly vs just
As an adverb, 'just' can mean 'only' or 'exactly' (e.g. 'just now'), while 'justly' means fairly or rightly.
justly vs justifiably
Means with good reason, but often used for feelings or reactions; 'justly' is more about moral fairness.
Practice
Choose the correct word: 'The committee was ___ praised for its transparent decision.'
Choose one answer.
'Justly' is the adverb meaning 'fairly' or 'rightly', which fits before the past participle 'praised'. 'Just' as an adverb means 'only' or 'exactly', so it would change the meaning. 'Justice' is a noun and cannot modify 'praised', and 'justify' is a verb that would need a different structure.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “justly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.