First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1only
adjective on·ly \ˈōn-lē\
: alone in a class or category : existing with no other or others of the same kind
Full Definition of ONLY
1
: unquestionably the best : peerless
2
a : alone in a class or category : sole <the only one left> <the only known species> b : having no brother or sister <an only child>
3
: few <one of the only areas not yet explored>
See only defined for English-language learners
See only defined for kids
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Origin of ONLY
Middle English, from Old English ānlīc, from ān one — more at one
Related to ONLY
- Synonyms
- incomparable, inimitable, matchless, nonpareil, peerless, unequaled (or unequalled), unexampled, unmatched, unparalleled, unrivaled (or unrivalled), unsurpassable, unsurpassed, out of sight
2only
adverb
: no more than
: nothing other than
: excluding all others : nobody or nothing except
Full Definition of ONLY
1
a : as a single fact or instance and nothing more or different : merely <has only lost one election — George Orwell> b : solely, exclusively <known only to him>
2
: at the very least <it was only too true>
3
a : in the final outcome <will only make you sick> b : with nevertheless the final result <won the battles, only to lose the war>
4
a : as recently as : not before <only last week> <only in the last year did she get recognition> b : in the immediate past <only just talked to her>
See only defined for English-language learners
Usage Discussion of ONLY
The placement of only in a sentence has been a source of studious commentary since the 18th century, most of it intended to prove by force of argument that prevailing standard usage is wrong. After 200 years of preachment the following observations may be made: the position of only in standard spoken English is not fixed, since ambiguity is avoided through sentence stress; in casual prose that keeps close to the rhythms of speech only is often placed where it would be in speech; and in edited and more formal prose only tends to be placed immediately before the word or words it modifies.
First Known Use of ONLY
14th century
3only
conjunction
Definition of ONLY
1
2
: were it not that : except <I'd introduce you to her, only you'd win her — Jack London>
See only defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ONLY
14th century
ONLY Defined for Kids
1only
adjective on·ly \ˈōn-lē\
Definition of ONLY for Kids
1
: alone in or of a class or kind : sole <He is the only survivor.>
2
: best without doubt <You are the only person for me.>
2only
adverb
Definition of ONLY for Kids
1
: no more than <We lost only one game.>
2
: no one or nothing other than <Only you know my secret.> <There may be other methods, but only this will do.>
3
: in no other situation, time, place, or condition except <Use medicine only when necessary.>
4
: in the end <It will only make you sick.>
5
: as recently as <I saw him only last week.>
3only
conjunction
Definition of ONLY for Kids
: except that <I'd like to play, only I'm too tired.>
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