only Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite being the only one; single and isolated from others
    lonesome; solitary; sole; lone.
    • the lone doctor in the entire county
    • a lonesome pine
    • an only child
    • the sole heir
    • the sole example
    • a solitary instance of cowardice
    • a solitary speck in the sky
  2. adjective satellite exclusive of anyone or anything else
    alone.
    • she alone believed him
    • cannot live by bread alone
    • I'll have this car and this car only
  3. adverb and nothing more
    but; merely; simply; 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
  4. adverb without any others being included or involved
    alone; entirely; solely; exclusively.
    • was entirely to blame
    • a school devoted entirely to the needs of problem children
    • he works for Mr. Smith exclusively
    • did it solely for money
    • the burden of proof rests on the prosecution alone
    • a privilege granted only to him
  5. adverb with nevertheless the final result
    • He arrived only to find his wife dead
    • We won only to lose again in the next round
  6. adverb in the final outcome
    • These news will only make you more upset
  7. adverb except that; only this time she came out better"
    • It was the same story
  8. adverb never except when
    only when; only if.
    • call me only if your cold gets worse
  9. adverb as recently as
    • I spoke to him only an hour ago

WordNet

On"ly adjective
Etymology
OE. only, anly, onlich, AS. anlic, i.e., onelike. See One, and Like, a.
Definitions
  1. One alone; single; as, the only man present; his only occupation.
  2. Alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the same class or kind; as, an only child.
  3. Hence, figuratively: Alone, by reason of superiority; preëminent; chief. "Motley's the only wear." Shak.
On"ly adverb
Etymology
See Only, a.
Definitions
  1. In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely.
    And to be loved himself, needs only to be known. Dryden.
  2. So and no otherwise; no other than; exclusively; solely; wholly.
    "She being only wicked." Beau. & Fl.
    Every imagination . . . of his heart was only evil. Gen. vi. 5.
  3. Singly; without more; as, only-begotten.
  4. Above all others; particularly. Obs.
    His most only elected mistress. Marston.
On"ly conjunction
Definitions
  1. Save or except (that); -- an adversative used elliptically with or without that, and properly introducing a single fact or consideration.
    He might have seemed some secretary or clerk . . . only that his low, flat, unadorned cap . . . indicated that he belonged to the city. Sir W. Scott.

Webster 1913