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only

/ˈəʊn.li/

noun

Meaning

  • An only child.

adjective

Meaning

  • Alone in a category.

    "He is the only doctor for miles."

  • Singularly superior; the best.

  • Without sibling; without a sibling of the same gender.

    "He is their only son, in fact, an only child."

  • Mere.

Synonyms

lone,
sole,
nonpareil,
peerless,
unequaled

adverb

Meaning

  • Without others or anything further; exclusively.

    "My heart is hers, and hers only."

  • No more than; just.

    "If there were only one more ticket!"

  • As recently as.

    "He left only moments ago."

  • Used to express surprise or consternation at an action.

    "She's only gone and run off with the milkman!"

  • Introduces a disappointing or surprising outcome that renders futile something previously mentioned. See also only to, only for.

    "I helped him out only for him to betray me."

  • Above all others; particularly.

conjunction

Meaning

  • Under the condition that; but.

    "You're welcome to borrow my bicycle, only please take care of it."

  • But; except.

    "I would enjoy running, only I have this broken leg."