adj
only
OHN-lee
adj
1
Being the single one of its kind; sole.
"This is the only copy of the letter that survived."
"He was the only person who showed up on time."
adv
1
Exclusively, and nothing or no one else besides.
"The offer is only available to new customers."
"She only eats breakfast on weekdays."
conj
1
Used to introduce an exception or a disappointing twist to what was just said; but.
"I would have called, only my phone had died."
How to Use Only
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLimits something to just one thing, person, or possibility — "and nothing else."
Common mistake
Placement changes meaning: "only I saw him" (nobody else did) is different from "I only saw him" (I didn't talk to him, just saw him). Put "only" right next to the word it's limiting.
Common pairings
the only one
only child
if only
Word Forms
onlys plural, onlies plural
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This is the _____ copy of the letter that survived.
Etymology
From Middle English oonly, from Old English ānlīċ ("singular, solitary"), literally built from one + -ly.