好词典

merely

UK //ˈmɪəli//US //ˈmɪrli//

词源

源自中古英语 'mereli',由 'mere'(仅仅的)加副词后缀 '-ly' 构成,最终可追溯至拉丁语 'merus'(纯粹的)。

adverb

❶ 仅仅,只是。用于强调某事物的程度或范围有限,不包含更多内容或意义。

“He was merely a child when he started painting.”

(他开始画画时仅仅是个孩子。)

“She didn't mean to offend you; she was merely joking.”

(她并非有意冒犯你,只是在开玩笑。)

同义词:only, just, simply, purely, solely

常见短语

not merely — 不仅仅是,用于强调某事物超出预期或包含更多内容。

“He is not merely a teacher, but also a mentor to many students.”

(他不仅仅是老师,还是许多学生的导师。)