Words / B1

MEERL-ee/ˈmɪəli/

Merely means only, and nothing more. Mere is the adjective. Just and only are everyday. Mix-up: nearly. HR: the email was merely a reminder, not a warning.

Meaning

Only; and nothing more.

Examples

• “The email was merely a reminder, not a formal warning.”
• “She was merely the clerk, not the decision-maker, which is the “nothing more” sense.”

Good to know

merely + noun / verb phrase. Adjective: mere. Everyday: only / just. Mix-up: nearly. Workplace / exams.

Near in meaning

only

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