“only”

Definitions

• adjective

  being the only one; single and isolated from others

  Synonyms: lone, lonesome, sole, solitary, absolute, alone, appreciably, azygous, barely, but, celibate, companionless

  • Example:“the lone doctor in the entire county”
  • Example:“a lonesome pine”

• adjective

  exclusive of anyone or anything else

  Synonyms: alone

  • Example:“She alone believed him.”
  • Example:“… cannot live by bread alone”

• adverb

  and nothing more

  Synonyms: merely, simply, just, but

  • Example:“I was merely asking.”
  • Example:“It is simply a matter of time.”

• adverb

  without any others being included or involved

  Synonyms: entirely, exclusively, solely, alone

  • Example:“… was entirely to blame”
  • Example:“a school devoted entirely to the needs of problem children”

• adverb

  with nevertheless the final result

  • Example:“He arrived only to find his wife dead.”
  • Example:“We won only to lose again in the next round.”

• adverb

  in the final outcome

  • Example:“These news will only make you more upset.”