CEFR A2

merely

adverb

Meaning

Only; just; and nothing more.

Examples

He was merely asking a question.
This is merely a suggestion, not a command.

Synonyms: just, simply, purely, solely

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merely (A2)

adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈmɪərli/

Definition

Only; just; and nothing more.

Examples

He was merely asking a question.
This is merely a suggestion, not a command.
The damage was merely cosmetic.

How to Use merely

merely a (collocation): Only a... — "It was merely a scratch."
merely to (collocation): Only to... — "He was merely trying to help."

Synonyms of merely

Words with a similar meaning to merely:

just
simply
purely
solely

Antonyms of merely

Words with the opposite meaning to merely:

greatly
significantly

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