1 only | Definition of only
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only

adjective
on·​ly | \ ˈƍn-lē How to pronounce only (audio) \

Definition of only

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1 : unquestionably the best : peerless is convinced that his team is the only one
2a : alone in a class or category : sole the only one left the only known species She's the only person you can really trust.
b : having no brother or sister an only child
3 : few one of the only areas not yet explored That was one of the only times I saw him cry.

only

adverb

Definition of only (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : as a single fact or instance and nothing more or different : merely has only lost one election— George Orwell
b : solely, exclusively known only to him
2 : at the very least it was only too true
3a : in the final outcome will only make you sick
b : with nevertheless the final result won the battles, only to lose the war
4a : as recently as : not before only last week only in the last year did she get recognition
b : in the immediate past only just talked to her

only

conjunction

Definition of only (Entry 3 of 3)

1a : with the restriction that : but you may go, only come back early
b : and yet : however they look very nice, only we can't use them
2 : were it not that : except I'd introduce you to her, only you'd win her— Jack London
Synonyms Placement of Only in a Sentence: Usage Guide More Example Sentences Learn More about only

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Placement of Only in a Sentence: Usage Guide

Adverb

The placement of only in a sentence has been a source of studious commentary since the 18th century, most of it intended to prove by force of argument that prevailing standard usage is wrong. After 200 years of preachment the following observations may be made: the position of only in standard spoken English is not fixed, since ambiguity is avoided through sentence stress; in casual prose that keeps close to the rhythms of speech only is often placed where it would be in speech; and in edited and more formal prose only tends to be placed immediately before the word or words it modifies.

Examples of only in a Sentence

Adjective

 the only way to really appreciate the beauty of the forest is to walk through it that is the only possible right answer

Adverb

 She had been there only twice in her life. There are only two more weeks until summer vacation. It's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. Do you really have to leave? It's only eight o'clock. He was only a baby when his father died. Leave her alone. She's only a kid. The building is only about 10 years old. It was quiet in the room, but only for a moment. She is only partly to blame. The club is for women only.

Conjunction

 I'd love to sing along, only I don't know the words. They did have a radio, only it was broken. We wanted to buy that painting, only it was far too expensive.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

 The only offers Williams had out of Long Beach Poly (Calif.) were from Division II schools. — Michelle Gardner, azcentral, "ASU defensive back Kobe Williams still proving his doubters wrong," 9 Sep. 2019 This one will be hosted by ABC News in partnership with Univision, and Sen. Kamala Harris will be the only California candidate of the 10 on stage. — Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, "Newsletter: Sacramento’s big finish, an Apple launch and more in the week ahead," 9 Sep. 2019 The only holdouts in the investigation are Alabama and California, which is Google's home state. — Lisa Marie Segarra, Fortune, "State Attorneys General Open Antitrust Investigation Into Google," 9 Sep. 2019 The only problem for the Chargers is that Ekeler, the undrafted, third-year vet, is playing in a contract season. — Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY, "NFL Week 1 winners, losers: Browns look sloppy against Titans," 9 Sep. 2019 The study was limited by its observational design—which allows researchers to find only patterns, not cause and effect—and by the fact that participants self-reported their nap habits, meaning their recollection could have been imperfect. — Jamie Ducharme, Time, "Go Ahead, Take a Nap. A New Study Says They May Be Good for Your Heart," 9 Sep. 2019 As a result, Agua Hedionda is the only San Diego County lagoon that allows boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, personal watercraft and other recreational activities. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Man pushes preservation of 400-foot-tall coastal smokestack," 8 Sep. 2019 The high-yield modern agricultural techniques that gave poor old T. S. Eliot the willies feed humanity and are the principal reason the only famines the world has known in recent years have been man-made, created by politics. — Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, "Playing God," 8 Sep. 2019 Related Stories The only bummer was the finale, in which the Giants had four hits, two by Buster Posey, and didn’t put up much of a fight on getaway day. — John Shea, SFChronicle.com, "Giants fall 5-0 in Bruce Bochy’s Dodger Stadium finale," 8 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

 If you were asked to compare former Detroit Pistons standout Dennis Rodman to a fictional movie character, there would only be one correct answer: Peter Pan. — Sean Merriman, Detroit Free Press, "ESPN's Dennis Rodman 30 for 30 film sheds light on his Detroit Pistons days," 11 Sep. 2019 At 135th Street, drivers will only be able to turn right onto and off the state road. — John Tuohy, Indianapolis Star, "Construction on an important Hamilton County route is about to cause serious headaches," 10 Sep. 2019 At the Apple Event, it was announced that Apple Arcade subscribers will get access to 100 exclusive games that will only be playable on Apple products like the iPhone, iPad, Mac computers, and the Apple TV device. — Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, "Apple Arcade: Everything You Need to Know About the New Video Game Streaming Service," 10 Sep. 2019 Brinson’s struggles have only been magnified with the immense success of Yelich. — Wells Dusenbury, sun-sentinel.com, "As struggles continue, fixing Lewis Brinson’s swing has been a ‘battle’ for Marlins," 10 Sep. 2019 Today only, everything is 30% off — yes, everything. — Dominique Hobdy, Essence, "Rihanna's Savage x Fenty Is Now Available On Amazon — And Its 30% Off Today Only!," 10 Sep. 2019 Perhaps, but that'll only be the case if these predictions all turn out to be true. —

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