Definitions
- Used to indicate that something is small or insignificant. - Used to emphasize the simplicity or straightforwardness of something. - Used to indicate that something is done with little effort or without any additional features.
- Used to indicate that something is exclusive or limited. - Used to emphasize the singularity or uniqueness of something. - Used to indicate that something is the minimum or necessary requirement.
List of Similarities
- 1Both merely and only are used to indicate a limitation or restriction.
- 2Both words can be used as adverbs or adjectives.
- 3Both words can be used to emphasize a point or idea.
- 4Both words can be used to indicate a minimum or necessary requirement.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Merely implies that something is small or insignificant, while only implies that something is exclusive or limited.
- 2Emphasis: Merely emphasizes the simplicity or straightforwardness of something, while only emphasizes the singularity or uniqueness of something.
- 3Usage: Merely is often used to downplay the importance of something, while only is often used to emphasize the importance of something.
- 4Position: Merely is often used before the verb or adjective it modifies, while only can be used in various positions within a sentence.
- 5Connotation: Merely can have a negative connotation, implying that something is not significant or important, while only can have a positive connotation, implying that something is exclusive or special.
Remember this!
Merely and only are both used to indicate a limitation or restriction, but they differ in their scope and emphasis. Merely implies that something is small or insignificant, while only implies that something is exclusive or limited. Merely emphasizes the simplicity or straightforwardness of something, while only emphasizes the singularity or uniqueness of something. Additionally, merely is often used to downplay the importance of something, while only is often used to emphasize the importance of something.
