merely
gb/mˈɪɹli/ us/mˈɪɹli/
B1
English
~ 1300
csak, pusztán
B1
1
Usage pattern:
merely [verb/phrase]
He was merely trying to help.
This is merely a temporary solution.
I’m not angry; I’m merely surprised.
It’s merely a scratch, nothing serious.
Learner examples
I am merely asking a question.
She was merely tired, not sick.
It is merely a game.
He is merely a student.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'merely' with 'barely'; 'barely' means 'almost not', while 'merely' means 'only'.
Meaning
only; nothing more
Collocations
merely a matter of
|merely an illusion
|merely a suggestion
|merely symbolic
Synonyms
only (Most direct synonym; 'only' is more common and less formal.)
|
just ('Just' is more informal and often used in spoken English.)
Antonyms
significantly (Opposite in meaning when stressing importance rather than triviality.)
|
substantially (Opposite when indicating something of large extent or importance.)
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to say that something is only what you say and not more.
Used to emphasize that something is only what is stated and nothing more.
Grammar
Dictionary form
merely
IPA
GB/mˈɪɹli/
US/mˈɪɹli/
Syllables & stress
merely (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (merely)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: merely
- Plural: merelies
Word family
Forms
merelies
noun
Core family
mere
adjective B2
Expressions
merely a matter of
1/mˈɪɹli ə mˈætɚ əv/
fixed phrase
only related to one thing
Used to say that something depends on or is about only one thing.
Examples
- It’s merely a matter of time before they find out.
- Solving this problem is merely a matter of patience.
merely for show
1/mˈɪɹli fɚ ʃˈoʊ/
fixed phrase
only for appearance's sake
Done only to look good, not because it is real or needed.
Examples
- The security cameras are merely for show.
- His smile was merely for show; he was still upset.