merely

From Middle English mereli, equivalent to mere +‎ -ly.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈmɪəli/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈmɪɹli/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɪə(ɹ)li

merely (not comparable)

1. (focus) Without any other reason etc.; only, just, and nothing more. [from 16th c.]
   • 1951 October, Bruce Hayden, “Of Cabbageheads and Kings”, in Chess Review:

     But let us not be unfair to the kibitzers. Not all players hate 'em. Some merely dislike 'em.

2. (obsolete) Wholly, entirely. [16th–20th c.]
   • 1644, John Milton, Areopagitica:

     It is not forgot, since the acute and distinct Arminius was perverted meerly by the perusing of a namelesse discourse writt'n at Delf, which at first he took in hand to confute.

   • 1854, Henry David Thoreau, Slavery in Massachusetts:

     I am sorry to say, that I doubt if there is a judge in Massachusetts who is prepared to resign his office, and get his living innocently, whenever it is required of him to pass sentence under a law which is merely contrary to the law of God.

• (wholly):
• (without any other reason): See also Thesaurus:merely

• Lemery, Remley

merely

1. alternative form of merily