Only
'oʊnli
Definitions
3 meaningsBeing one in number, the sole or single one.
'oʊnli
Being the single one or the sole member
He was the only person who knew the secret.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have one cookie left and your friend wants one. 'You can have the only cookie!' It means there's just one left, no more!
👶 For kids: Just one! Like, the only toy left in the toy box.
More Examples
This is the only way to solve the problem.
She's the only student who got a perfect score.
How It's Used
"She is the only child in the family."
And no one or nothing more besides; exclusively; just.
'oʊnli
Exclusively, solely, and nothing more
I only have a few minutes.
💡 Simply: If you say 'I only want ice cream,' you're telling someone you *only* want ice cream, nothing else. It's a way to say 'just' or 'nothing but' something.
👶 For kids: Just! Like, 'I only want to play with my blocks'
More Examples
She only sings in the shower.
They only sell coffee here.
How It's Used
"I only eat pizza on Fridays."
"He only agreed after considerable pressure."
Used to introduce a condition which limits or contrasts what has been said.
'oʊnli
Used to introduce a statement or clause that contrasts with something stated before.
I'd love to go, only I have another commitment.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to go to the movies, but then you remember you have a test. You could say, 'I would go to the movies, only I have a test tomorrow.'
👶 For kids: But! Like 'I want to play outside, only it's raining.'
More Examples
He would have helped, only he was busy.
I like the idea, only it's too expensive.
How It's Used
"I would come, only I have a prior engagement."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
If only
Expressing a strong wish that something were true or had happened.
"If only I had studied harder for the test!"
The only one
Referring to someone or something that is singular
"She was the only one to finish the race."
From Old English *ānlic* ('single, unique'), a combination of *ān* ('one') and *-lic* (a suffix indicating 'like' or 'having the quality of').
The word 'only' dates back to Old English, originally carrying the meaning of 'single' or 'alone.' Its use has evolved to encompass limitation and exclusivity.
Memory tip
Think 'sole' or 'single' to remember it means there are no others.
Word Origin
"alone, single"