Words / B1

MEER/mɪə/

Mere emphasises how small or unimportant something is: a mere + noun. Only is everyday; merely is the adverb (also in this set). Exams: a mere two marks separated a pass from a resit.

Meaning

Used to emphasise how small or unimportant something is (a mere + noun).

Examples

• “A mere two marks separated a pass from a resit.”
• “A mere leaflet drop is not a statutory consultation.”

Good to know

a mere + noun / number. Adverb: merely. Everyday: only. Exams / politics. Not used alone as a complement (it was mere — add a noun).

Near in meaning

only

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