merely Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adverb and nothing more
    but; simply; only; just.
    • I was merely asking
    • it is simply a matter of time
    • just a scratch
    • he was only a child
    • hopes that last but a moment

WordNet


Mere"ly adverb
Definitions
  1. Purely; unmixedly; absolutely.
    Ulysses was to force forth his access, Though merely naked. Chapman.
  2. Not otherwise than; simply; barely; only.
    Prize not your life for other ends Than merely to obige your friends. Swift.
    Syn. -- Solely; simply; purely; barely; scarcely.

Webster 1913