Only: meaning, definitions and examples

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only

[ ˈoʊnli ]

^{Context #1}

use

Without anyone or anything else; solely or exclusively.

Synonyms

exclusively, just, solely

Examples of usage

She only wanted to help.
He is the only person who knows the truth.

^{Context #2}

quantity

Being the single one or the only one of a kind; unique.

Synonyms

singular, sole, unique

Examples of usage

This is the only copy of the book.
She is the only child in her family.

^{Context #3}

limitation

Except for the fact that; unless.

Synonyms

but, except, unless

Examples of usage

I would go, only I have no time.
He would have passed the exam, only he didn't study enough.

Translations

Translations of the word "only" in other languages:

🇵🇹 somente

🇮🇳 केवल

🇩🇪 nur

🇮🇩 hanya

🇺🇦 тільки

🇵🇱 tylko

🇯🇵 のみ

🇫🇷 seulement

🇪🇸 solo

🇹🇷 sadece

🇰🇷 오직

🇸🇦 فقط

🇨🇿 pouze

🇸🇰 iba

🇨🇳 只

🇸🇮 samo

🇮🇸 aðeins

🇰🇿 тек

🇬🇪 მხოლოდ

🇦🇿 yalnız

🇲🇽 solo

Word origin

The word 'only' originated from the Middle English word 'anly', which in turn came from the Old English word 'anlic', meaning 'unique'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form and usage in the English language.

See also: anyone, one, one's, oneness, oneself, onesie.