only

Definitions

1. 1.Alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the same class or kind; as, an only child.
2. 2.Hence, figuratively: Alone, by reason of superiority; preëminent; chief. "Motley's the only wear." Shak.
3. 3.In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely. And to be loved himself, needs only to be known. Dryden.
4. 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.
5. 5.3. Singly; without more; as, only-begotten.
6. 6.Above all others; particularly. [Obs.] His most only elected mistress. Marston.
7. 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.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "only" mean?
• What is another word for "only"?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is only.

• What is alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the same class or kind; as, an only child called?
• What is hence, figuratively: Alone, by reason of superiority; preëminent; chief. "Motley's the only wear." Shak called?
• What is in one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely. And to be loved himself, needs only to be known. Dryden called?
• What is 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 called?
• What is 3. Singly; without more; as, only-begotten called?
• What is above all others; particularly. [Obs.] His most only elected mistress. Marston called?