only
Adjective · AdverbOpen English WordNet
Adverb (6)
- and nothing more“I was merely asking”“it is simply a matter of time”“just a scratch”“he was only a child”“hopes that last but a moment”Synonyms: merelysimplyjustbut
- without any others being included or involved“was entirely to blame”“a school devoted entirely to the needs of problem children”“he works for Mr. Smith exclusively”“did it solely for money”“the burden of proof rests on the prosecution alone”“a privilege granted only to him”Synonyms: entirelyexclusivelysolelyaloneFrom sole
- with nevertheless the final result“He arrived only to find his wife dead”“We won only to lose again in the next round”
- in the final outcome“These news will only make you more upset”
- except that“It was the same story; only this time she came out better”
- as recently as“I spoke to him only an hour ago”
Adjective (2)
- being the only one; single and isolated from others“the lone doctor in the entire county”“a lonesome pine”“an only child”“the sole heir”“the sole example”“a solitary instance of cowardice”“a solitary speck in the sky”Synonyms: lonelonesomesolesolitaryOpposite multipleSimilar single
- exclusive of anyone or anything else“she alone believed him”“cannot live by bread alone”“I'll have this car and this car only”Synonyms: aloneOpposite inclusiveSimilar exclusive
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: OE. only, anly, onlich, AS. ānlic, i.e., onelike. See One, and Like, adjective
1. One alone; single; as, the only man present; his only occupation.
2. Alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the same class or kind; as, an only child.
3. Hence, figuratively: Alone, by reason of superiority; preeminent; chief. “Motley's the only wear.” William Shakespeare
Origin: See Only, adjective
1. In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely.
And to be loved himself, needs only to be known.— John Dryden
2. So and no otherwise; no other than; exclusively; solely; wholly. “She being only wicked.” Francis, & Fletcher, John. Beaumont
Every imagination... of his heart was only evil.— Gen. vi. 5.
3. Singly; without more; as, only-begotten.
4. Above all others; particularly. obsolete
His most only elected mistress.— John Marston
Save or except (that); — an adversative used elliptically with or without that, and properly introducing a single fact or consideration.
He might have seemed some secretary or clerk... only that his low, flat, unadorned cap... indicated that he belonged to the city.— Sir Walter Scott
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54