merely

[meer-lee]

adverb

1. only as specified and nothing more; simply.

   merely a matter of form.

2. Obsolete.

   1. without admixture; purely.

   2. altogether; entirely.

ˈmerely

/ ˈmɪəlɪ /

adverb

1. only; nothing more than

Word History and Origins

Origin of ˈmerely¹

First recorded in 1400–50, merely is from the late Middle English word mereli. See mere ¹, -ly

Related Words

• hardly 
• only 
• purely 
• simply 
• solely