merely

[ meer-lee ]

adverb

1. only as specified and nothing more; simply:

   merely a matter of form.

2. Obsolete.
   1. without admixture; purely.
   2. altogether; entirely.

ˈmerely

/ ˈmɪəlɪ /

adverb

1. only; nothing more than

Word History and Origins

Origin of merely¹

First recorded in 1400–50, merely is from the late Middle English word mereli. See mere ¹, -ly

Example Sentences

India's Supreme Court has said that authorities cannot demolish homes merely because a person has been accused of a crime and has laid down strict guidelines for any such action.

From BBC

Experts in the potholes and pitfalls facing writers — especially investigation-minded or merely activist journalists — say they’ve received a rising number of inquiries from those considering launching a freelance career.

From Los Angeles Times

News website readers were only less so because the survey didn't distinguish between legitimate sites like Salon and bunk outlets like Breitbart, but still: merely being a person who reads stuff makes you more liberal.

From Salon

What many drivers did not realize was that Lyft would not be giving them a $975 bonus but merely paying the difference between what they had already earned and what the program guaranteed.

From Los Angeles Times

He said Kamala Harris' loss on Tuesday was merely reaping what the party had sown.

From Salon

Related Words

• barely
• only
• quite
• simply
• solely