only (adv.)

  1. and nothing more; I was merely asking; it is simply a matter of time; just a scratch; he was only a child; hopes that last but a moment

    [ Syn: merely , merely , simply , simply , just , just , but , but , merely , merely , simply , simply , just , just , but , but , merely , merely , simply , simply , just , just , but , but , merely , merely , simply , simply , just , just , but , but ]

  2. without any others being included or involved; was entirely to blame; a school devoted entirely to the needs of problem children; he works for Mr. Smith exclusively; did it solely for money; the burden of proof rests on the prosecution alone; a privilege granted only to him

    [ Syn: entirely , entirely , exclusively , exclusively , solely , solely , alone , alone , entirely , entirely , exclusively , exclusively , solely , solely , alone , alone , entirely , entirely , exclusively , exclusively , solely , solely , alone , alone , entirely , entirely , exclusively , exclusively , solely , solely , alone , alone ]

  3. with nevertheless the final result; He arrived only to find his wife dead; We won only to lose again in the next round'

  4. in the final outcome; These news will only make you more upset'

  5. except that; It was the same story; only this time she came out better'

  6. never except when; call me only if your cold gets worse

    [ Syn: only if , only if , only when , only when , only if , only if , only when , only when , only if , only if , only when , only when , only if , only if , only when , only when ]

  7. as recently as; I spoke to him only an hour ago'

    only (adj.)

  1. being the only one; single and isolated from others; the lone doctor in the entire county; a lonesome pine; an only child; the sole heir; the sole example; a solitary instance of cowardice; a solitary speck in the sky

    [ Syn: lone , lonesome , sole , solitary ]

  2. exclusive of anyone or anything else; she alone believed him; cannot live by bread alone; Ill have this car and this car only

    [ Syn: alone ]

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.