Dictionary
English - Chinese
Only
ˈoʊnli
Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
仅仅; 只是, 唯一的, 仅此而已, 只要, 只是...而已
Only meanings in Chinese
仅仅; 只是
Example:
I only have a few dollars.
我仅仅只有几美元。
She only wants to help.
她只是想帮忙。
Usage: informalContext: Used to indicate limitation or restriction.
Note: This meaning emphasizes that there is nothing more than what is stated.
唯一的
Example:
He is the only child in the family.
他是家里唯一的孩子。
This is the only option available.
这是唯一可用的选项。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to indicate exclusivity.
Note: This meaning stresses that there are no alternatives.
仅此而已
Example:
I was only joking.
我仅此而已是在开玩笑。
It's only a matter of time.
这仅仅是时间的问题。
Usage: informalContext: Used to downplay something or clarify a statement.
Note: It can imply that something is not as serious as it sounds.
只要
Example:
You only need to ask.
你只要问就可以了。
Only if you agree will I proceed.
只有你同意，我才会继续。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to indicate a condition or requirement.
Note: This usage often introduces a conditional clause.
只是...而已
Example:
I only want to understand.
我只是想理解而已。
It's only a game.
这只是一个游戏而已。
Usage: informalContext: Used to soften a statement or to suggest that something is trivial.
Note: This construction can often imply that something should not be taken seriously.
Only's synonyms
just
The word 'just' can be used to emphasize the exclusivity or limitation of something, similar to 'only'.
Example: I just want to be alone.
Note: Both 'just' and 'only' can indicate exclusivity, but 'just' can also imply a sense of simplicity or emphasis on a single action or purpose.
solely
'Solely' means exclusively or entirely, emphasizing that there is no other factor involved.
Example: She is solely responsible for the project's success.
Note: While 'only' can indicate exclusivity, 'solely' specifically emphasizes that something is the single and exclusive factor.
merely
'Merely' implies that something is just or only, often used to downplay the significance or importance of something.
Example: He was merely a pawn in their game.
Note: 'Merely' carries a connotation of insignificance or lack of importance, while 'only' simply indicates exclusivity or limitation.
exclusively
'Exclusively' means solely for a particular group or purpose, indicating that others are not included.
Example: This offer is exclusively for members.
Note: While 'only' can indicate limitation or exclusivity, 'exclusively' specifically emphasizes the restriction to a particular group or purpose.
Only expressions, common phrases
only if
This phrase is used to indicate that a certain condition must be met for something to happen.
Example: I will go to the party only if my best friend can come with me.
Note: The inclusion of 'if' adds a conditional aspect to the meaning of 'only'.
only when
It indicates that a particular situation or condition is the sole circumstance in which something can happen or is true.
Example: I can relax and unwind only when I'm surrounded by nature.
Note: The use of 'when' specifies the specific timing or condition for the statement to be valid.
only time will tell
This phrase implies that the truth or outcome of a situation will only be revealed in the future.
Example: We can speculate all we want, but only time will tell if our plan is successful.
Note: It emphasizes the element of time and uncertainty, unlike the straightforward meaning of 'only'.
only natural
It suggests that something is expected or reasonable given the circumstances.
Example: After all the rain we've had, it's only natural that the flowers are blooming so beautifully.
Note: The phrase conveys a sense of inevitability or predictability, going beyond the literal meaning of 'only'.
only too
It emphasizes that one is very aware or familiar with something, often to a greater extent than desired.
Example: I am only too aware of the challenges we face in completing this project on time.
Note: The addition of 'too' intensifies the meaning of 'only', highlighting the extent or degree of awareness.
only too happy
This phrase expresses a willingness or eagerness to do something.
Example: I am only too happy to help you with your research paper.
Note: It conveys a sense of enthusiasm or readiness that goes beyond the basic meaning of 'only'.
only just
It indicates that something happened very recently or narrowly, with little margin for error.
Example: We only just made it to the airport in time for our flight.
Note: The use of 'just' adds a sense of immediacy or nearness to the timing of the event.
Only everyday (slang) expressions
only have eyes for
To show intense interest or attraction towards a specific person or thing, usually ignoring others around.
Example: He's so in love with his girlfriend, he only has eyes for her.
Note: The slang emphasizes exclusive focus or attention on the mentioned person or thing.
one and only
Refers to someone or something that is unique, irreplaceable, or the sole example of its kind.
Example: She is my one and only true love.
Note: Emphasizes the singularity and importance of the person or thing mentioned, sometimes used romantically or poetically.
only game in town
Denotes the best or only option available in a particular area or situation.
Example: This restaurant is the only game in town for authentic Italian cuisine.
Note: The slang conveys a sense of limited choices or superiority of the mentioned option.
only child
A person who has no siblings, often associated with specific personality traits due to the lack of siblings.
Example: As an only child, he is used to having his own space.
Note: Focuses on the family structure and dynamics of being the sole offspring in a family.
Only - Examples
Only you can make me happy.
只有你能让我快乐。
I have only one brother.
我只有一个兄弟。
She speaks Hungarian only.
她只会说匈牙利语。
Only grammar
Only - Adverb (Adverb) / Adverb (Adverb)
Lemma: only
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): only
Adverb (Adverb): only
Syllables, Separation and Stress
only Contains 2 syllables: on • ly
Phonetic transcription: ˈōn-lē
on ly , ˈōn lē (The red syllable is stressed)
Only - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
only: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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