English dictionary

only

/'/oU/nl/i/

Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.

adjective

One alone; single; as, the only man present; his only occupation.

adjective

Source: webster1913

Save or except (that); -- an adversative used elliptically with or without that, and properly introducing a single fact or consideration.

conjunction

Source: webster1913

and nothing more

adv.all

Examples
He was only a child.

Synonyms but just merely simply

Source: WordNet 3.0
without any others being included or involved

adv.all

Examples
A privilege granted only to him.

Synonyms alone entirely exclusively solely

Source: WordNet 3.0
with nevertheless the final result

adv.all

Examples
He arrived only to find his wife dead.

We won only to lose again in the next round.

Source: WordNet 3.0
in the final outcome

adv.all

Examples
These news will only make you more upset.

Source: WordNet 3.0
except that

adv.all

Examples
It was the same story; only this time she came out better.

Source: WordNet 3.0
never except when

adv.all

Examples
Call me only if your cold gets worse.

Source: WordNet 3.0
as recently as

adv.all

Examples
I spoke to him only an hour ago.

Source: WordNet 3.0
In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely.

adverb

Source: webster1913