only

adjective
UK: /ˈəʊn.li/
US: /ˈoʊn.li/

  1. Alone in a class or category; single.

    1. I have only one brother. [ ] [ ]
    2. This is the only way we can solve this problem, so we must try it. [ ] [ ]

  2. Being the one or ones specified; and no others.

    1. He comes here only on Sundays. [ ] [ ]
    2. She visits her parents only when she needs money for something important. [ ] [ ]

  3. Best; most liked.

    1. This is the only place for me. [ ] [ ]
    2. That small cafe is the only place where I can truly relax and be myself. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

sole single just merely
only adverb

  1. And no one or nothing more besides; solely.

    1. I only have five dollars. [ ] [ ]
    2. She bought the car only because it was on sale and she had a coupon. [ ] [ ]

  2. No longer ago than; just.

    1. I only saw him yesterday. [ ] [ ]
    2. The package arrived only this morning, so I haven't had time to open it. [ ] [ ]

  3. Used to say that something is the single and sufficient reason for something else.

    1. I'm phoning you only to say goodbye. [ ] [ ]
    2. I was only trying to help, so I don't understand why you are upset with me. [ ] [ ]
only conjunction

  1. Used to introduce the single thing or person about which the main part of the sentence is true.

    1. Only she can help us. [ ] [ ]
    2. Only by working together diligently can we achieve our common goals. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "only" in English means: Alone in a class or category; single., Being the one or ones specified; and no others., Best; most liked..

The phonetic transcription of "only" is /ˈəʊn.li/ in British English and /ˈoʊn.li/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "only": sole, single, just, merely.

Example usage of "only": "I have only one brother.". More examples on the page.