merely
gb/mˈɪɹli/ us/mˈɪɹli/
B1
English
~ 1300
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
relation
1
only; nothing more
Used to say that something is only what you say and not more.
Usage pattern:
merely [verb/phrase]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'merely' with 'barely'; 'barely' means 'almost not', while 'merely' means 'only'.
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.)
Collocations
merely a matter of
|merely an illusion
|merely a suggestion
|merely symbolic
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- 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.
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.