Definitions
- Used to indicate that something is only what it appears to be and nothing more. - Used to emphasize the insignificance or unimportance of something. - Used to indicate that something is done with little effort or difficulty.
- Used to indicate that something is straightforward and uncomplicated. - Used to emphasize the ease or simplicity of something. - Used to indicate that something is done for no other reason than the one stated.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words are adverbs.
- 2Both words are used to indicate simplicity or lack of complexity.
- 3Both words can be used to downplay the significance of something.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Merely is often used to indicate that something is only what it appears to be, while simply is used to indicate that something is straightforward and uncomplicated.
- 2Emphasis: Merely emphasizes the insignificance or unimportance of something, while simply emphasizes the ease or simplicity of something.
- 3Connotation: Merely can have a negative connotation, implying that something is not enough or lacking, while simply has a neutral or positive connotation, implying that something is easy or uncomplicated.
- 4Function: Merely can function as an adjective or adverb, while simply is primarily used as an adverb.
- 5Frequency: Simply is more commonly used than merely in everyday language.
Remember this!
Merely and simply are both adverbs used to indicate simplicity or lack of complexity. However, merely emphasizes the insignificance or unimportance of something, while simply emphasizes the ease or simplicity of something. Additionally, merely can have a negative connotation, while simply is generally neutral or positive.
