MERELY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does merely mean? 

• MERELY (adverb)
  The adverb MERELY has 1 sense:

1. and nothing more

  Familiarity information: MERELY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MERELY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

And nothing more

Synonyms:

but; just; merely; only; simply

Context example:

hopes that last but a moment

Pertainym:

mere (apart from anything else; without additions or modifications)

 Context examples 

But he merely drew out a memorandum-book in which he had scribbled some dates.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He seemed not merely happy with her, but proud.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

It’s merely taking your money, for I know that I am right.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

As to the special cause of my leaving, it is not merely the strained situation with Mr. Carruthers, but it is the reappearance of that odious man, Mr. Woodley.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Lady Lieven, who is exceedingly exigeant, used to invite him to her evenings merely that he might exhibit it.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Presently she put it on his knee, merely saying, "How do you like that?"

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Then he spoke:—My friends, we are going into a terrible danger, and we need arms of many kinds. Our enemy is not merely spiritual.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

“I’ll merely peep over the bow and see.”

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

But you shouldn't do it merely to please me.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

But it was not a merely selfish caution, under which she acted, in putting an end to it.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)