only

adjective

on·ly | \ ˈōn-lē

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

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

only

Definition of only

Synonyms for only

Placement of Only in a Sentence: Usage Guide

Examples of only in a Sentence

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