Words / B1

JUSTL-ee/ˈdʒʌstli/

Justly means in a fair or deserved way: justly proud; justly criticised. Just is the adjective; fair is everyday. Justify is a verb meaning give reasons (already in the dictionary). Do not confuse with just (only / simply). Pay: a bonus justly withdrawn after a breach.

Meaning

In a fair or deserved way.

Examples

• “Staff felt the bonus was justly withdrawn after the breach.”
• “She was justly proud of the apprenticeship, which is the deserved sense.”

Good to know

justly + adjective / past participle (proud, criticised, withdrawn). Everyday: fairly. Mix-up: just = only. Verb cousin: justify.

Near in meaning

fairly

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