Merely: meaning, definitions and examples

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merely

[ ˈmɪə.li ]

^{Context #1}

used to emphasize that something is small, unimportant, or not serious

Used to emphasize that something is small, unimportant, or not serious. It is often used to downplay the significance or importance of something.

Synonyms

just, only, simply

Examples of usage

It was merely a suggestion, not a requirement.
She was merely trying to be helpful, not critical.
The issue was merely a misunderstanding, easily resolved.

^{Context #2}

used to emphasize that something is no more or better than what is mentioned

Used to emphasize that something is no more or better than what is mentioned. It is often used to indicate the limited or minimal nature of something.

Synonyms

just, only, simply

Examples of usage

He is merely a child, he cannot be expected to understand.
This is merely a prototype, the final product will be much better.
It's merely a scratch, nothing to worry about.

Translations

Translations of the word "merely" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apenas

🇮🇳 केवल

🇩🇪 nur

🇮🇩 hanya

🇺🇦 лише

🇵🇱 tylko

🇯🇵 ただ

🇫🇷 seulement

🇪🇸 sólo

🇹🇷 sadece

🇰🇷 단지

🇸🇦 فقط

🇨🇿 pouze

🇸🇰 len

🇨🇳 仅仅

🇸🇮 samo

🇮🇸 aðeins

🇰🇿 тек

🇬🇪 მხოლოდ

🇦🇿 sadəcə

🇲🇽 sólo

Word origin

The word 'merely' originated from the Middle English word 'merely' which means 'altogether'. It evolved over time to its current usage in Modern English. The word has been in use since the 14th century and has maintained its meaning of 'only' or 'simply' throughout its history.