Definitions
- Used in Northern England to mean 'only' or 'just'. - Often used in informal or dialectical speech. - Can be used to emphasize the simplicity or insignificance of something.
- Used to indicate that something is only what it appears to be and nothing more. - Often used in formal or academic contexts. - Can be used to downplay the significance or importance of something.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words are used to indicate a lack of significance or importance.
- 2Both words can be used to downplay the value or impact of something.
- 3Both words are adverbs that modify verbs or adjectives.
What is the difference?
- 1Formality: Nobbut is informal and often used in dialectical speech, while merely is more formal and commonly used in academic or professional contexts.
- 2Connotation: Nobbut has a connotation of simplicity or insignificance, while merely has a connotation of being limited or restricted.
- 3Usage: Nobbut is used more frequently in spoken language, while merely is used more frequently in written language.
- 4Meaning: Nobbut emphasizes the smallness or simplicity of something, while merely emphasizes the lack of additional value or significance.
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Remember this!
Nobbut and merely are both adverbs used to indicate a lack of significance or importance. However, nobbut is a dialectical word used primarily in Northern England and has a connotation of simplicity or insignificance. On the other hand, merely is a standard English word used worldwide and has a more formal connotation of being limited or restricted.
