WordGarden.iojustly
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /dʒˈʌstli/
US
- /ˈdʒəstli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a fair or morally right way
with good reason or deservedly
Beyond the definition
To act justly means to treat people fairly and without bias, giving each person what they deserve, no matter their status or background. Think of a judge making a ruling; ideally, they do so justly, based on the law and the facts, not personal feelings. It is about doing what is right and making sure results match people's actions. A reward that is justly earned feels much better than one given unfairly.
The word carries weight. It suggests a real commitment to what is right and good. You might describe a leader as acting justly when they make decisions that are fair to all their people, or say that something is not being handled justly. It is more than simply "fair"; it also suggests moral rightness.
The word "justly" is an adverb that describes doing something in a way that is morally right and fair to everyone involved. It points to ideas of fairness, moral rightness, and giving people what they deserve. It is about making sure actions match what is considered right within a system of ethics or law.
You might say someone was justly rewarded for their hard work, meaning the reward was not given out of pity or favoritism, but because they truly earned it through effort and skill. Or you could describe a punishment as being justly imposed if it fits the crime. "The thief was justly sentenced to prison."
"Justly" often appears in discussions about social justice, legal systems, and moral behavior. A society that values fairness would aim to treat all its citizens justly, regardless of their race, gender, or social class. It is a strong word that suggests not only equal treatment, but also respect for individual rights and needs.
However, what is considered "just" can be subjective and vary across cultures and time periods. What one society deems justly punishing, another might see as cruel and unusual. Therefore, understanding the context in which "justly" is used is crucial to grasping its full meaning.
Examples
- 1
Fair pay
Every worker should be paid justly for their time.
- 2
Sports decision
She felt the referee had not treated her team justly.
- 3
Legal punishment
The court must decide whether the accused were punished justly.
- 4
Personal pride
He was justly proud of the small business he had built from nothing.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Well-deserved fame
The city is justly famous for its seafood.
- Patternjustly famous for + thing
famous for a good reason
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- treat someone justly
- act justly
- deal justly with
- punished justly
Word family
Explore
- fairness
- due process
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- justlyadverb