Word Direct Answers

What does "only" mean?

Only: Alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the same class or kind; as, an only child.

Additional senses

  1. 2.Hence, figuratively: Alone, by reason of superiority; preëminent; chief. "Motley's the only wear." Shak.
  2. 3.In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely. And to be loved himself, needs only to be known. Dryden.
  3. 4.So and no otherwise; no other than; exclusively; solely; wholly. "She being only wicked." Beau. & Fl. Every imagination . . . of his heart was only evil. Gen. vi.
  4. 5.3. Singly; without more; as, only-begotten.
  5. 6.Above all others; particularly. [Obs.] His most only elected mistress. Marston.
  6. 7.Save or except (that); -- an adversative used elliptically with or without that, and properly introducing a single fact or consideration. He might have seemed some secretary or clerk . . . only that his low, flat, unadorned cap . . . indicated that he belonged to the city. Sir W. Scott.

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