merely
Translation
merely, only, just, simply
Examples
It was merely a suggestion.
It was merely a suggestion.
He is not a king, merely a prince.
He is not a king, merely a prince.
Grammar Patterns
merely + [noun phrase/verb phrase] to be only or simply sth. It was merely a suggestion.
Similar Words
Synonyms: just, only, simply
Etymology
From Latin 'merus' meaning 'pure'. It emphasizes that something is nothing more than what is stated.
Memory Tips
Think of the adjective 'mere', as in 'a mere formality'. 'Merely' is the adverb form, used to downplay the importance of something.