bloß
Translation
bare, mere, only, just
Examples
Er tat es mit bloßen Händen.
He did it with his bare hands.
Das ist eine bloße Vermutung.
That is a mere assumption.
Ich wollte dich bloß fragen.
I just wanted to ask you.
Wo ist er bloß geblieben?
Where on earth has he gone?
Grammar Patterns
((as adjective)) before a noun (bare) He managed it with his bare hands.
((as adverb)) only, just I just wanted to ask if everything is okay.
((as particle)) in questions (on earth) What on earth is he planning?
Similar Words
Synonyms: bare, naked, only, just; Antonyms: covered, clothed
Etymology
From Middle High German 'blōz' (naked, uncovered).
Memory Tips
Connect the two main meanings: 'bare' (bloß) facts are 'just' (bloß) the facts and nothing more.