Only Vs Merely

Question

Can somebody explain me the difference between these two words?Thank you.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi Phoebita,

Welcome to the Forum.

Tom only loves his job>>>> His job is the only thing he loves. He loves it exclusively. 'Only' is a neutral, factual kind of adjective.

Tom merely loves his job>>> This suggests that this love is a thing of little worth, in other words that there are other things he should love more. 'Merely' is a dismissive, negative kind of adjective.

Best wishes, Clive

Phoebita · Answer

Thanks Clive<img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/2.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/2.gif' alt='Emotion: big smile'/>

Only Vs Merely

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2 Answers

Clive

Phoebita