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
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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 yesterday
Hellion
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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 yesterday
Hellion
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asked yesterday
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
meaning-in-context word-meaning vocabulary
edited yesterday
Hellion
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asked yesterday
Fellix
1116
edited yesterday
Hellion
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asked yesterday
Fellix
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edited yesterday
Hellion
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edited yesterday
Hellion
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edited yesterday
Hellion
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Fellix
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asked yesterday
Fellix
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asked yesterday
Fellix
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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 yesterday
user070221
4,4961730
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
yesterday
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
9 hours ago
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.
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V2Blast
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M. M.
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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
yesterday
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
yesterday
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 yesterday
Michael_B
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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 17 hours ago
Joe
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4 Answers
4
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
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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 yesterday
user070221
4,4961730
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
yesterday
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
9 hours ago
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 yesterday
user070221
4,4961730
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
yesterday
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
9 hours ago
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 yesterday
user070221
4,4961730
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 yesterday
user070221
4,4961730
answered yesterday
user070221
4,4961730
answered yesterday
user070221
4,4961730
answered yesterday
user070221
4,4961730
4,4961730
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
yesterday
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
9 hours ago
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
yesterday
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
9 hours ago
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
yesterday
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
yesterday
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
9 hours ago
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
9 hours ago
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 yesterday
V2Blast
1156
answered yesterday
M. M.
1913
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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
yesterday
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
yesterday
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 yesterday
V2Blast
1156
answered yesterday
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
yesterday
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
yesterday
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 yesterday
V2Blast
1156
answered yesterday
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 yesterday
V2Blast
1156
answered yesterday
M. M.
1913
New contributor
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edited yesterday
V2Blast
1156
edited yesterday
V2Blast
1156
edited yesterday
V2Blast
1156
1156
answered yesterday
M. M.
1913
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answered yesterday
M. M.
1913
answered yesterday
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
yesterday
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
yesterday
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
yesterday
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
yesterday
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
yesterday
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
yesterday
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
yesterday
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
yesterday
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 yesterday
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 yesterday
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 yesterday
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 yesterday
Michael_B
1643
edited yesterday
answered yesterday
Michael_B
1643
answered yesterday
Michael_B
1643
answered yesterday
Michael_B
1643
1643
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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 17 hours ago
Joe
991
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Joe is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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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 17 hours ago
Joe
991
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 17 hours ago
Joe
991
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 17 hours ago
Joe
991
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 17 hours ago
Joe
991
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 17 hours ago
Joe
991
answered 17 hours ago
Joe
991
991
New contributor
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New contributor
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Check out our Code of Conduct.
Joe is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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add a comment |
add a comment |
protected by Community♦ 17 hours ago
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?
