merely
♦ mere|ly /m'ɪərli/
1 [ADV] ADV with cl/group, ADV before v
You use merely to emphasize that something is only what you say and not better, more important, or more exciting.
Michael is now merely a good friend...
They are offering merely technical assistance.
= just, simply
2 [ADV] ADV amount
You use merely to emphasize that a particular amount or quantity is very small.
The brain accounts for merely three per cent of body weight.
= only
3 [PHRASE] PHR with cl/group, PHR before v
You use not merely before the less important of two contrasting statements, as a way of emphasizing the more important statement.
The team needs players who want to play cricket for England, not merely any country that will have them...
1 [ADV] ADV with cl/group, ADV before v
You use merely to emphasize that something is only what you say and not better, more important, or more exciting.
Michael is now merely a good friend...
They are offering merely technical assistance.
= just, simply
2 [ADV] ADV amount
You use merely to emphasize that a particular amount or quantity is very small.
The brain accounts for merely three per cent of body weight.
= only
3 [PHRASE] PHR with cl/group, PHR before v
You use not merely before the less important of two contrasting statements, as a way of emphasizing the more important statement.
The team needs players who want to play cricket for England, not merely any country that will have them...