Justly
/ˈdʒʌstli/
adverbB2
Definition
Justly describes an action done with fairness and justice. It means treating people or situations in a way that is right, honest, and based on what is fair or deserved. When someone acts justly, they follow moral or legal rules carefully.
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See It in Action
In a fair and right way, according to rules or justice
- •The judge ruled justly in the case, giving a fair decision.
- •The teacher justly gave the prize to the student who worked the hardest.
- •People expect to be treated justly in their workplaces.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'justly' like 'fairly' (A2 word), but with a stronger idea of following rules or what is right
- ✓Picture a judge in a courtroom giving a decision that is balanced and correct for everyone
- ✓It's the feeling when you get what you deserve, neither more nor less, and everyone agrees it is right
- ✓Sounds like 'JUST-ly' → imagine someone saying 'JUST' to mean 'right' and adding 'ly' to show how they do something
- ✓Think of stories where heroes act justly by helping others and doing what is right, not what is easy
- ✓NOT like 'randomly' (without order or fairness), justly means carefully and fairly
- ✓NOT like 'kindly' (being nice), justly focuses on what is right, not only on feelings
Try Other Words
- •Fairly: in a fair way (Use when fairness is important but legal or strict moral ideas are less emphasized)
- •Rightfully: in a way that is correct or deserved (Use when focusing on what someone deserves)
- •Equitably: in a way that is equal and fair (Use in formal or legal contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "just" (right, fair) + suffix "-ly" (turns adjective into adverb)
- •Etymology: From Latin "justus" meaning fair or right, adopted into English with "-ly" to describe how something is done
- •Historical development: Used since Middle English to describe actions done in a fair or rightful way
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe fair treatment in law, ethics, and everyday fairness
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when someone acted justly even if it was difficult for them?
•How does acting justly help build trust between people and communities?
Fill in the blanks
1.The judge acted justly because he followed all the ___ before making a decision.
2.When a teacher grades justly, students feel their work is ___.
3.Justly treating others means not showing ___ or favoritism.
4.The manager justly rewarded employees who worked ___ and honestly.
5.Unlike acting kindly, acting justly focuses more on what is ___ than on feelings.
6.People want to live in a society where laws are applied justly and ___.
7.If someone is punished justly, it means the punishment fits the ___ of their actions.