Meaning of “just” in “she just doesn't know…”
She just doesn‘t know how to bring up children.
In the above sentence, what does just mean?
meaning-in-context word-meaning vocabulary
edited Dec 26 at 15:04
Hellion
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asked Dec 26 at 10:04
Fellix
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She just doesn‘t know how to bring up children.
In the above sentence, what does just mean?
meaning-in-context word-meaning vocabulary
edited Dec 26 at 15:04
Hellion
16.8k13767
asked Dec 26 at 10:04
Fellix
1116
add a comment |
She just doesn‘t know how to bring up children.
In the above sentence, what does just mean?
meaning-in-context word-meaning vocabulary
edited Dec 26 at 15:04
Hellion
16.8k13767
asked Dec 26 at 10:04
Fellix
1116
She just doesn‘t know how to bring up children.
In the above sentence, what does just mean?
meaning-in-context word-meaning vocabulary
meaning-in-context word-meaning vocabulary
edited Dec 26 at 15:04
Hellion
16.8k13767
asked Dec 26 at 10:04
Fellix
1116
edited Dec 26 at 15:04
Hellion
16.8k13767
asked Dec 26 at 10:04
Fellix
1116
edited Dec 26 at 15:04
Hellion
16.8k13767
edited Dec 26 at 15:04
Hellion
16.8k13767
edited Dec 26 at 15:04
Hellion
16.8k13767
16.8k13767
asked Dec 26 at 10:04
Fellix
1116
asked Dec 26 at 10:04
Fellix
1116
asked Dec 26 at 10:04
Fellix
1116
1116
add a comment |
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4 Answers
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The sense of just in the sentence is the following:
used to make a statement or order stronger, like in:
- He just won't do as he's told.
- It's just too expensive.
(Collins Dictionary)
answered Dec 26 at 10:25
user070221
4,5161830
This is correct. "Just" in this context is being used for emphasis or to draw attention to the importance of the associated clause. When used in a negative context ("He just won't do it") it's often dismissive, reducing the apparent value or credebility of the subject. In a positive context ("he's just perfect") the context is often exclusionary, brooking no further debate.
– JBH
Dec 26 at 18:20
For a little more clarification for OP, you could replace "just" in this usage with "simply" -She simply doesn't know how to bring up children. (Yes, the emphasis/meaning is slightly different, but for all practical purposes they'd mean the same thing). Edit: Didn't see an Answer points this out too...
– BruceWayne
Dec 27 at 18:16
add a comment |
Expanding on user070221's answer, it also depends on the context.
For example, "just" could be used here as a caveat (one disadvantage in an otherwise good situation):
PersonA: Do you think PersonC will be a good mother?
PersonB: Well she keeps her home very organized and can cook healthy meals. She just doesn't know how to bring up children.
Another similar example, where "just" communicates an excuse:
PersonA: My mom was really tough on me as a child. She hurt my feelings a lot.
PersonB: I know, but your mom loves you. She just doesn't know how to bring up children.
There are probably other contexts too but these are the ones I could think of.
edited Dec 26 at 16:12
V2Blast
1176
answered Dec 26 at 12:28
M. M.
1913
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It could also be used to express a degree of either pity or contempt, e.g. "She had a really bad childhood herself, so..." or "We've tried and tried to show her, but..."
– jamesqf
Dec 26 at 18:13
2
It can also indicate a sense of finality. In Fellix's example (and without further context), I read it as indicating the woman, in addition to not knowing how to raise kids, is incapable of learning how to raise them.
– mpr
Dec 26 at 21:19
add a comment |
No need to accuse her of being cruel or abusive or neglectful or inconsiderate toward her children. She's also not selfish or stupid.
The truth is, she just doesn't know how to be a good mother.
I think that as she matures and with her family's support, the kids will be okay.
The "just" eliminates the other potential causes for the action.
answered Dec 26 at 12:38
Michael_B
1643
add a comment |
To give a shortcut: uses of 'just' in that form, can normally be replaced by 'simply' without changing the meaning.
"she simply doesn't know how to be a good mother"
However, 'just' is normally the more friendly version.
answered Dec 27 at 9:25
Joe
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
The sense of just in the sentence is the following:
used to make a statement or order stronger, like in:
- He just won't do as he's told.
- It's just too expensive.
(Collins Dictionary)
answered Dec 26 at 10:25
user070221
4,5161830
This is correct. "Just" in this context is being used for emphasis or to draw attention to the importance of the associated clause. When used in a negative context ("He just won't do it") it's often dismissive, reducing the apparent value or credebility of the subject. In a positive context ("he's just perfect") the context is often exclusionary, brooking no further debate.
– JBH
Dec 26 at 18:20
For a little more clarification for OP, you could replace "just" in this usage with "simply" -She simply doesn't know how to bring up children. (Yes, the emphasis/meaning is slightly different, but for all practical purposes they'd mean the same thing). Edit: Didn't see an Answer points this out too...
– BruceWayne
Dec 27 at 18:16
add a comment |
The sense of just in the sentence is the following:
used to make a statement or order stronger, like in:
- He just won't do as he's told.
- It's just too expensive.
(Collins Dictionary)
answered Dec 26 at 10:25
user070221
4,5161830
This is correct. "Just" in this context is being used for emphasis or to draw attention to the importance of the associated clause. When used in a negative context ("He just won't do it") it's often dismissive, reducing the apparent value or credebility of the subject. In a positive context ("he's just perfect") the context is often exclusionary, brooking no further debate.
– JBH
Dec 26 at 18:20
For a little more clarification for OP, you could replace "just" in this usage with "simply" -She simply doesn't know how to bring up children. (Yes, the emphasis/meaning is slightly different, but for all practical purposes they'd mean the same thing). Edit: Didn't see an Answer points this out too...
– BruceWayne
Dec 27 at 18:16
add a comment |
The sense of just in the sentence is the following:
used to make a statement or order stronger, like in:
- He just won't do as he's told.
- It's just too expensive.
(Collins Dictionary)
answered Dec 26 at 10:25
user070221
4,5161830
The sense of just in the sentence is the following:
used to make a statement or order stronger, like in:
- He just won't do as he's told.
- It's just too expensive.
(Collins Dictionary)
answered Dec 26 at 10:25
user070221
4,5161830
answered Dec 26 at 10:25
user070221
4,5161830
answered Dec 26 at 10:25
user070221
4,5161830
answered Dec 26 at 10:25
user070221
4,5161830
4,5161830
This is correct. "Just" in this context is being used for emphasis or to draw attention to the importance of the associated clause. When used in a negative context ("He just won't do it") it's often dismissive, reducing the apparent value or credebility of the subject. In a positive context ("he's just perfect") the context is often exclusionary, brooking no further debate.
– JBH
Dec 26 at 18:20
For a little more clarification for OP, you could replace "just" in this usage with "simply" -She simply doesn't know how to bring up children. (Yes, the emphasis/meaning is slightly different, but for all practical purposes they'd mean the same thing). Edit: Didn't see an Answer points this out too...
– BruceWayne
Dec 27 at 18:16
add a comment |
This is correct. "Just" in this context is being used for emphasis or to draw attention to the importance of the associated clause. When used in a negative context ("He just won't do it") it's often dismissive, reducing the apparent value or credebility of the subject. In a positive context ("he's just perfect") the context is often exclusionary, brooking no further debate.
– JBH
Dec 26 at 18:20
For a little more clarification for OP, you could replace "just" in this usage with "simply" -She simply doesn't know how to bring up children. (Yes, the emphasis/meaning is slightly different, but for all practical purposes they'd mean the same thing). Edit: Didn't see an Answer points this out too...
– BruceWayne
Dec 27 at 18:16
This is correct. "Just" in this context is being used for emphasis or to draw attention to the importance of the associated clause. When used in a negative context ("He just won't do it") it's often dismissive, reducing the apparent value or credebility of the subject. In a positive context ("he's just perfect") the context is often exclusionary, brooking no further debate.
– JBH
Dec 26 at 18:20
This is correct. "Just" in this context is being used for emphasis or to draw attention to the importance of the associated clause. When used in a negative context ("He just won't do it") it's often dismissive, reducing the apparent value or credebility of the subject. In a positive context ("he's just perfect") the context is often exclusionary, brooking no further debate.
– JBH
Dec 26 at 18:20
For a little more clarification for OP, you could replace "just" in this usage with "simply" -
She simply doesn't know how to bring up children. (Yes, the emphasis/meaning is slightly different, but for all practical purposes they'd mean the same thing). Edit: Didn't see an Answer points this out too...– BruceWayne
Dec 27 at 18:16
For a little more clarification for OP, you could replace "just" in this usage with "simply" -
She simply doesn't know how to bring up children. (Yes, the emphasis/meaning is slightly different, but for all practical purposes they'd mean the same thing). Edit: Didn't see an Answer points this out too...– BruceWayne
Dec 27 at 18:16
add a comment |
Expanding on user070221's answer, it also depends on the context.
For example, "just" could be used here as a caveat (one disadvantage in an otherwise good situation):
PersonA: Do you think PersonC will be a good mother?
PersonB: Well she keeps her home very organized and can cook healthy meals. She just doesn't know how to bring up children.
Another similar example, where "just" communicates an excuse:
PersonA: My mom was really tough on me as a child. She hurt my feelings a lot.
PersonB: I know, but your mom loves you. She just doesn't know how to bring up children.
There are probably other contexts too but these are the ones I could think of.
edited Dec 26 at 16:12
V2Blast
1176
answered Dec 26 at 12:28
M. M.
1913
New contributor
M. M. is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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3
It could also be used to express a degree of either pity or contempt, e.g. "She had a really bad childhood herself, so..." or "We've tried and tried to show her, but..."
– jamesqf
Dec 26 at 18:13
2
It can also indicate a sense of finality. In Fellix's example (and without further context), I read it as indicating the woman, in addition to not knowing how to raise kids, is incapable of learning how to raise them.
– mpr
Dec 26 at 21:19
add a comment |
Expanding on user070221's answer, it also depends on the context.
For example, "just" could be used here as a caveat (one disadvantage in an otherwise good situation):
PersonA: Do you think PersonC will be a good mother?
PersonB: Well she keeps her home very organized and can cook healthy meals. She just doesn't know how to bring up children.
Another similar example, where "just" communicates an excuse:
PersonA: My mom was really tough on me as a child. She hurt my feelings a lot.
PersonB: I know, but your mom loves you. She just doesn't know how to bring up children.
There are probably other contexts too but these are the ones I could think of.
edited Dec 26 at 16:12
V2Blast
1176
answered Dec 26 at 12:28
M. M.
1913
New contributor
M. M. is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
It could also be used to express a degree of either pity or contempt, e.g. "She had a really bad childhood herself, so..." or "We've tried and tried to show her, but..."
– jamesqf
Dec 26 at 18:13
2
It can also indicate a sense of finality. In Fellix's example (and without further context), I read it as indicating the woman, in addition to not knowing how to raise kids, is incapable of learning how to raise them.
– mpr
Dec 26 at 21:19
add a comment |
Expanding on user070221's answer, it also depends on the context.
For example, "just" could be used here as a caveat (one disadvantage in an otherwise good situation):
PersonA: Do you think PersonC will be a good mother?
PersonB: Well she keeps her home very organized and can cook healthy meals. She just doesn't know how to bring up children.
Another similar example, where "just" communicates an excuse:
PersonA: My mom was really tough on me as a child. She hurt my feelings a lot.
PersonB: I know, but your mom loves you. She just doesn't know how to bring up children.
There are probably other contexts too but these are the ones I could think of.
edited Dec 26 at 16:12
V2Blast
1176
answered Dec 26 at 12:28
M. M.
1913
New contributor
M. M. is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Expanding on user070221's answer, it also depends on the context.
For example, "just" could be used here as a caveat (one disadvantage in an otherwise good situation):
PersonA: Do you think PersonC will be a good mother?
PersonB: Well she keeps her home very organized and can cook healthy meals. She just doesn't know how to bring up children.
Another similar example, where "just" communicates an excuse:
PersonA: My mom was really tough on me as a child. She hurt my feelings a lot.
PersonB: I know, but your mom loves you. She just doesn't know how to bring up children.
There are probably other contexts too but these are the ones I could think of.
edited Dec 26 at 16:12
V2Blast
1176
answered Dec 26 at 12:28
M. M.
1913
New contributor
M. M. is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited Dec 26 at 16:12
V2Blast
1176
edited Dec 26 at 16:12
V2Blast
1176
edited Dec 26 at 16:12
V2Blast
1176
1176
answered Dec 26 at 12:28
M. M.
1913
New contributor
M. M. is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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answered Dec 26 at 12:28
M. M.
1913
answered Dec 26 at 12:28
M. M.
1913
1913
New contributor
M. M. is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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New contributor
M. M. is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
M. M. is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
It could also be used to express a degree of either pity or contempt, e.g. "She had a really bad childhood herself, so..." or "We've tried and tried to show her, but..."
– jamesqf
Dec 26 at 18:13
2
It can also indicate a sense of finality. In Fellix's example (and without further context), I read it as indicating the woman, in addition to not knowing how to raise kids, is incapable of learning how to raise them.
– mpr
Dec 26 at 21:19
add a comment |
3
It could also be used to express a degree of either pity or contempt, e.g. "She had a really bad childhood herself, so..." or "We've tried and tried to show her, but..."
– jamesqf
Dec 26 at 18:13
2
It can also indicate a sense of finality. In Fellix's example (and without further context), I read it as indicating the woman, in addition to not knowing how to raise kids, is incapable of learning how to raise them.
– mpr
Dec 26 at 21:19
3
3
It could also be used to express a degree of either pity or contempt, e.g. "She had a really bad childhood herself, so..." or "We've tried and tried to show her, but..."
– jamesqf
Dec 26 at 18:13
It could also be used to express a degree of either pity or contempt, e.g. "She had a really bad childhood herself, so..." or "We've tried and tried to show her, but..."
– jamesqf
Dec 26 at 18:13
2
2
It can also indicate a sense of finality. In Fellix's example (and without further context), I read it as indicating the woman, in addition to not knowing how to raise kids, is incapable of learning how to raise them.
– mpr
Dec 26 at 21:19
It can also indicate a sense of finality. In Fellix's example (and without further context), I read it as indicating the woman, in addition to not knowing how to raise kids, is incapable of learning how to raise them.
– mpr
Dec 26 at 21:19
add a comment |
No need to accuse her of being cruel or abusive or neglectful or inconsiderate toward her children. She's also not selfish or stupid.
The truth is, she just doesn't know how to be a good mother.
I think that as she matures and with her family's support, the kids will be okay.
The "just" eliminates the other potential causes for the action.
answered Dec 26 at 12:38
Michael_B
1643
add a comment |
No need to accuse her of being cruel or abusive or neglectful or inconsiderate toward her children. She's also not selfish or stupid.
The truth is, she just doesn't know how to be a good mother.
I think that as she matures and with her family's support, the kids will be okay.
The "just" eliminates the other potential causes for the action.
answered Dec 26 at 12:38
Michael_B
1643
add a comment |
No need to accuse her of being cruel or abusive or neglectful or inconsiderate toward her children. She's also not selfish or stupid.
The truth is, she just doesn't know how to be a good mother.
I think that as she matures and with her family's support, the kids will be okay.
The "just" eliminates the other potential causes for the action.
answered Dec 26 at 12:38
Michael_B
1643
No need to accuse her of being cruel or abusive or neglectful or inconsiderate toward her children. She's also not selfish or stupid.
The truth is, she just doesn't know how to be a good mother.
I think that as she matures and with her family's support, the kids will be okay.
The "just" eliminates the other potential causes for the action.
answered Dec 26 at 12:38
Michael_B
1643
edited Dec 26 at 12:52
answered Dec 26 at 12:38
Michael_B
1643
answered Dec 26 at 12:38
Michael_B
1643
answered Dec 26 at 12:38
Michael_B
1643
1643
add a comment |
add a comment |
To give a shortcut: uses of 'just' in that form, can normally be replaced by 'simply' without changing the meaning.
"she simply doesn't know how to be a good mother"
However, 'just' is normally the more friendly version.
answered Dec 27 at 9:25
Joe
1091
New contributor
Joe is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
To give a shortcut: uses of 'just' in that form, can normally be replaced by 'simply' without changing the meaning.
"she simply doesn't know how to be a good mother"
However, 'just' is normally the more friendly version.
answered Dec 27 at 9:25
Joe
1091
New contributor
Joe is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
To give a shortcut: uses of 'just' in that form, can normally be replaced by 'simply' without changing the meaning.
"she simply doesn't know how to be a good mother"
However, 'just' is normally the more friendly version.
answered Dec 27 at 9:25
Joe
1091
New contributor
Joe is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
To give a shortcut: uses of 'just' in that form, can normally be replaced by 'simply' without changing the meaning.
"she simply doesn't know how to be a good mother"
However, 'just' is normally the more friendly version.
answered Dec 27 at 9:25
Joe
1091
New contributor
Joe is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered Dec 27 at 9:25
Joe
1091
New contributor
Joe is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered Dec 27 at 9:25
Joe
1091
answered Dec 27 at 9:25
Joe
1091
1091
New contributor
Joe is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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New contributor
Joe is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Joe is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
protected by Community♦ Dec 27 at 9:25
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?
