only
only Lexical Profile
only Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Alone of its or their kind; single or solitary, with no others existing or available.
"This is the only copy of the original manuscript that survived the fire."
Having no brothers or sisters (used specifically in the phrase 'only child').
"Growing up as an only child, he spent a great deal of time reading and drawing."
The best, most suitable, or most worthy of consideration under the circumstances.
"Walking is really the only way to explore the narrow streets of the historic district."
• adverb
And no one or nothing more besides; solely or exclusively.
"Access to the laboratory is granted only to authorized research personnel."
No more than; merely or just (emphasizing the smallness of a quantity, degree, or extent).
"The train station is only a five-minute walk from the hotel."
No earlier than a specified time; as recently as.
"The archaeological site was discovered only last year."
With the negative, ironic, or unfortunate result that (used before an infinitive).
"They hurried to the airport, only to find that their flight had been delayed."
• conjunction
Except that; but; however (used to introduce a qualification, restriction, or obstacle to what has just been stated).
"I would gladly join you for dinner, only I have an early meeting tomorrow morning."
Word Nuance & Usage
In formal writing, placing 'only' immediately before the word or phrase it modifies prevents ambiguity (e.g., 'She ate only the fruit' vs. 'She only ate the fruit'), though in everyday speech it is routinely placed before the main verb with vocal stress indicating the intended focus.
• Rhymes for only
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'anlic' ('unique, solitary'), a compound of 'an' ('one') and '-lic' ('-ly', meaning 'body' or 'form').