merely

American  

[meer-lee] / ˈmɪər li /

adverb

1. only as specified and nothing more; simply.

   merely a matter of form.

2. Obsolete.

   1. without admixture; purely.

   2. altogether; entirely.

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ˈmerely British  

/ ˈmɪəlɪ /

adverb

1. only; nothing more than

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Etymology

Origin of merely

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

Example Sentences

We spoke merely hours before the debut of “Freestyle: A Love Story,” a stage production that follows two lovers who meet at a freestyle show — then reconnect at a concert 20 years later.

From Los Angeles Times

Wacky character traits get trotted out merely for visual dazzle, not to generate any intrigue.

From The Wall Street Journal

She lost her case at the appeals court, which held that Colorado’s law merely regulates conduct by medical professionals.

From The Wall Street Journal

While a nation isn’t merely an idea, it needs stories to hold its countrymen together.

From The Wall Street Journal

The aroma is deeper, fuller; the warmth blooms instead of merely humming.

From Salon

Related Words

• hardly
• only
• purely
• simply
• solely