ENGLISH
REFERENCE

merely

adv.
US //ˈmɪɹɫi// UK //mˈiəli// mere·ly
  1. 1 only or just (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to say that something is only what you mentioned and nothing more.

    used to emphasize that nothing else than what is mentioned is involved; functions as a synonym for 'only' or 'just' but with a more formal tone.

    Example

    The repair wasn't expensive; it merely cost five dollars to fix the pipe.

    Example

    The witness claimed he was merely a bystander, though the prosecution argued his presence at the scene was far from accidental.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the word or phrase it modifies.
  2. 2 completely (adv.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    completely or entirely.

    used to indicate that something is absolute or total. This sense is no longer used in modern speech.

    Example

    The story he told was merely a lie from start to finish.

    Example

    In the old records, the captain described the ship's destruction as being merely by the force of the storm.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is found in Shakespeare and other early modern texts; learners should not use it in contemporary writing.
Origin

From Middle English mereli, equivalent to mere + -ly.

Word family
  • Adjectivemere
  • Adverbmerely

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