Laxi Dictionary

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Definition only in British English

only adjective, adverb, conjunction

adjective, adverb, conjunction
/ˈəʊnli/

Only can be used in the following ways:

as an adverb: It’s only an idea, but I thought we could try it out.She was only 18 when she had her first child.I only hope we can finish this in time.

as an adjective (always before a noun): I was an only child.You’re the only person who can help me.

as a conjunction: You can come, only make sure you’re on time.

1

used for showing that a statement does not apply to anything or anyone else except the person, thing, action, place etc that you are mentioning

Example

She wouldn't say where she was going - she only said she'd be back as soon as she could.

Example

The flowers grow wild only on the island of Maui.

Example

Everyone promised they would come, but in the end only Ted and Jack showed up.

Example

I only design the dresses, I don't actually make them.

Example

Only in this house do I feel safe and secure.

Example

Nowadays she performs only on very special occasions.

Example

They were being nice to Charlie only because they didn't want to hurt his feelings.

Synonyms and related words
only except excluding
2

used for showing that there are no other things or people of the same kind as the one or ones that you are mentioning

Example

David's the only one of us who has a computer.

Example

This is the only letter my father ever wrote to me.

Example

My only reason for coming here was to see you.

Example

Johnson was born in Aberdeen in 1942, the only son in a family of six children.

Example

The only people who understand the problem are the scientists.

Example

The only thing we can do is wait and see.

3

used for emphasizing that an amount, number, size, age, percentage etc is small or smaller than expected

Example

The police station was only 150 metres away.

Example

The company was established in Lanarkshire only eight months ago.

Example

She was only 18, but she was as smart as someone twice her age.

Example

The mobile phone market makes up only a small part of Scottish Telecom's business.

Example

The two men spoke with each other only briefly.

Synonyms and related words
little few slight
4

used for emphasizing that something must happen before something else can happen

Example

You pay the agent only if you sell the house.

Example

A further statement will be issued only when the investigation has been concluded.

5

used for saying that something is not better, worse, more important, more difficult etc than you are saying it is

Example

Don't get upset - I was only joking.

Example

We are only trying to help.

Example

'What was that noise?' 'Don't worry - it's only the wind.'

6

no earlier than a particular time, day, week etc

Example

I met him for the first time only last week.

Example

It is only now that the technology exists to transmit high quality images.

Example

I picked some roses and only then did I notice that my mother's favourite vase was missing.

Example

Only when the government stops interfering will we see any improvement in our schools.

Synonyms and related words
then all last
7

used for adding a comment to something that you have just said which makes it less true or correct

Example

Fiction is like real life, only better.

Example

Her car is like mine, only it has four doors.

Synonyms and related words
namely incidentally furthermore
7.1

used when you are going to mention a problem or a reason why something is not possible

Example

I would offer to baby-sit, only I'm going out myself.

Example

I'd really like to come to the party. The only thing is, my sister is coming to town that day.

8

used for saying that the result or effect of something is bad or not wanted and has no positive qualities

Example

His failure to respond to the criticism only made matters worse.

Example

I never complain - it only causes more trouble.

9

used for showing that something or someone is the best

Example

You should get a motorbike. Believe me, it's the only way to travel.

Example

In my opinion, Bond is the only man for the job.

Definition only in British English

Related Words

Words related to only:

too (phrase) () too true (phrase) be only too (to do something) (phrase) by invitation (only) (phrase) for your eyes only (phrase) God (only) knows (phrase) goodness (only) knows (phrase) heaven (only/alone) knows (phrase) can only guess (phrase) if only (phrase) in name only (phrase) it (only) remains for me to do something (phrase) it is only fair (phrase) it’s (only) to be expected (phrase) it’s () human nature (phrase) it’s only a of time (phrase) being polite (phrase) fooling (phrase) Lord (only) knows (phrase) not only/just/merely/simply () only (adjective, adverb, conjunction) only (noun) only child (noun) only have eyes for someone (phrase) only just (phrase) ...only to do something (phrase) only too (phrase) only too eager to do something (phrase) only (that) (phrase) joking (phrase) to do something (phrase) read-only memory (noun) someone can only do something (phrase) someone is only human (phrase) the one and only (phrase) the only game in town (phrase) you (only) have to do something (phrase) you have only (got) yourself to blame (phrase)