merely

[meer-lee]

adverb

1. only as specified and nothing more; simply.

   merely a matter of form.

2. Obsolete.

   1. without admixture; purely.

   2. altogether; entirely.

ˈmerely

/ ˈmɪəlɪ /

adverb

1. only; nothing more than

Word History and Origins

Origin of merely¹

First recorded in 1400–50, merely is from the late Middle English word mereli. See mere ¹, -ly

Example Sentences

But according to Emanuel, falling expectations would merely set a lower bar for these companies to surpass — and that could help keep the AI theme going heading into next year.

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That means merely being big is no longer nearly enough.

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The late U.S. push couldn’t stop Team Europe’s party—it merely delayed it.

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Bingham and his fellow Lincolnian visionaries’ grand idea was not merely birthright citizenship but equal birthright citizenship under the flag.

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When forced by Pozzo to dance, Mr. Thornton merely doffs his bowler hat rhythmically a few times in a funny nod to Bob Fosse.

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Related Words

• hardly 
• only 
• purely 
• simply 
• solely