mere Definition
- 1used to emphasize how small or insignificant someone or something is
- 2nothing more than; only
Using mere: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mere" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The mere thought of it makes me shiver.
Example
It was a mere coincidence that we met again.
Example
He's a mere child, he can't do it alone.
Example
She's not interested in money for its own sake, but for the mere fact that it gives her freedom.
mere Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for mere
Antonyms for mere
Phrases with mere
a procedure or action that is done as a matter of course or tradition, without any real intention or effect
Example
The meeting was just a mere formality, as the decision had already been made.
an ordinary person who is subject to death and decay, as opposed to a god or immortal being
Example
Even the most successful people are mere mortals who face challenges and setbacks.
mere seconds/minutes/hours
a very short amount of time, often used to describe how quickly something happens
Example
The accident happened in mere seconds, but its impact was long-lasting.
Origins of mere
from Old English 'mǣre', meaning 'boundary, limit'
Summary: mere in Brief
The term 'mere' [mɪər] emphasizes the smallness or insignificance of someone or something. It can also mean 'nothing more than' or 'only,' as in 'It was a mere coincidence that we met again.' Phrases like 'mere formality' and 'mere mortal' extend the sense of triviality, while 'mere seconds/minutes/hours' denotes a very short amount of time.
