Definition Definition

only - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'only' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Only [ a.]
- One alone; single; as, the only man present; his only occupation.
- Alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the same class or kind; as, an only child.
- Hence, figuratively: Alone, by reason of superiority; preeminent; chief.
- In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely.
- So and no otherwise; no other than; exclusively; solely; wholly.
- Singly; without more; as, only-begotten.
- Above all others; particularly.
2 . Only [ conj.]
- Save or except (that); -- an adversative used elliptically with or without that, and properly introducing a single fact or consideration.

Meaning of 'only' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . only [ r]
Meaning (1):
- without any others being included or involved
Example in sentence:
  • a privilege granted only to him;
  • a school devoted entirely to the needs of problem children;
  • did it solely for money;
  • he works for Mr. Smith exclusively;
  • the burden of proof rests on the prosecution alone;
  • was entirely to blame
Meaning (2):
- never except when
Example in sentence:
  • call me only if your cold gets worse
Meaning (3):
- with nevertheless the final result
Example in sentence:
  • He arrived only to find his wife dead;
  • We won only to lose again in the next round
Meaning (4):
- and nothing more
Example in sentence:
  • he was only a child;
  • hopes that last but a moment;
  • I was merely asking;
  • it is simply a matter of time;
  • just a scratch
Meaning (5):
- as recently as
Example in sentence:
  • I spoke to him only an hour ago
Meaning (6):
- except that
Example in sentence:
  • It was the same story; only this time she came out better
Meaning (7):
- in the final outcome
Example in sentence:
  • These news will only make you more upset
8 . only [ s]
Meaning (8):
- being the only one; single and isolated from others
Example in sentence:
  • a lonesome pine;
  • a solitary instance of cowardice;
  • a solitary speck in the sky;
  • an only child;
  • the lone doctor in the entire county;
  • the sole example;
  • the sole heir
Meaning (9):
- exclusive of anyone or anything else
Example in sentence:
  • cannot live by bread alone;
  • I'll have this car and this car only;
  • she alone believed him

Nearby Words:

onliness onloft

See 'only' also in:

Dictionary.com Google Translator Wikipedia.com Merriam Webster

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