Just under 20,000

It doesn't represent that exact a number, Oristar. It's approximately 20,000 but the writer wants to note that it's under that figure. To my mind, it could range down from 20,000 up to a couple of hundred.

If it were spoken and the speaker wanted to say that it was a small number under 20K, they would emphasize JUST.

Just under 20,000 means "nearly 20,000". Nothing else. Whether that is 18,000 or 19,999 is anybody's guess.

I'd agree. It's vague, and people's estimates of what it means will vary. My estimate would be between 19000 and 20000. The " just" is kind of an intensifier, so I might even go with about 19500 and 2000. Or maybe not.

Good luck presenting a check to your bank for "just under $20,000".

Thanks

Think, Contrex. It's pretty obvious that not every adjective, every adverb, any particular part of speech is appropriate to every language situation.

I know that JTT has posted something, but because he or she is set to "ignore", I have no idea what it is - a happy state of affairs that I have no intention of bringing to an end.

Well you know what they say, ignorance is bliss. If you wish to remain in that state, Contrex, there's not really much anyone can do about it.