only

on-ly · adverb

imported

Definitions

adverb

  1. 1.

    And no one or nothing more; solely.

  2. 2.

    No more than; merely.

  3. 3.

    As recently as.

  4. 4.

    With the negative result that.

  5. 5.

    Single or solitary.

  6. 6.

    Alone deserving consideration.

  7. 7.

    Except that; but.

Related words

See also: just, merely, single, solely
Synonyms: exclusively, just, merely, solely

Etymology

From Old English ānlic meaning "unique, solitary," from ān (one) + -lic (like, -ly). The word originally meant "having the quality of being one" and developed into its adverbial senses meaning "solely, exclusively" in Middle English.