only
/ˈoʊn.li/ adverb A1- Without others or anything further; exclusively. · My heart is hers, and hers only.· I threw out only him.
- No more than; just. · The cat only sat on the mat. It didn't scratch it.· If there were only one more ticket!
- As recently as. · He left only moments ago.
- Emphasizing something that is just or necessary. · It's only fair to let him borrow your kite, after you've had his toys all day.· He'd been belittling her for years. It's only natural that she left.
- Introduces a disappointing or surprising outcome that renders futile something previously mentioned. · They rallied from a three-goal deficit only to lose in the final two minutes of play.· I spent years studying a degree only to learn there was no requirement for such a certification.
From the library
Arrived here only yesterday morning, and married today at three o’clock!
I was only confused for the moment, because I felt that I _should_ be looked at.
“Yes,” replied Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, “but _that_ was only when I first knew her; for it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.”
But I told him I was only mate, and that she belonged to the firm of Morrel & Son.
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