only
only
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "only" is /ˈoʊnli/.
oʊn: /oʊn/ (as in "own")
li: /li/ (as in "lee")
Word Form Variations
"Only" is an interesting word because it does not typically have variations for singular, plural, or different verb tenses in the same way many nouns or verbs do. It primarily functions as an adverb, adjective, or conjunction, and in these roles, its form remains constant.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Exclusively; solely; for no other purpose or reason. This definition emphasizes the restriction of an action or state to a single object, individual, or condition.
Example: She only bought what was on her shopping list.
Synonyms: solely, exclusively, merely, just, simply
Antonyms: also, additionally, inclusively, broadly
No more than; as recently as. This definition indicates a limitation in quantity, degree, or time.
Example: He's only five years old, but he's very bright.
Synonyms: just, merely, simply, no more than, but
Antonyms: at least, considerably, significantly
Adjective
Being the single one of its kind; unique. This definition describes something as being one of a kind or having no equal.
Example: She was the only person to solve the riddle.
Synonyms: sole, single, unique, singular, exclusive
Antonyms: many, numerous, multiple, various
Best or most excellent; incomparable. This definition, often used informally, suggests a superlative quality.
Example: That's the only way to do it right.
Synonyms: ultimate, incomparable, supreme, peerless
Antonyms: worst, inferior, common, ordinary
Conjunction
Except that; but. This definition introduces a clause that provides a sole qualification or limitation to a preceding statement.
Example: You can go, only you must be back before midnight.
Synonyms: but, except, provided that, save that
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms as it serves a restrictive function)
Examples of Use
Books:
"It was only when I was grown that I started to understand the true complexity of my mother's life." (Tara Westover, Educated, February 2018)
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." (Steve Jobs, attributed quote, often found in biographical works)
Newspapers:
"The city's budget crisis can only be solved through significant cuts and new revenue streams, officials warn." (The New York Times)
"Investigators said they had only a few leads in the high-profile robbery case." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"This new software release is currently available to only a select group of beta testers." (TechCrunch.com)
"We can only speculate about the long-term impacts of climate change on coastal communities." (National Geographic online)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "You only live twice." (Title of a James Bond film, 1967)
Music: "I only have eyes for you." (Popular song lyric, various artists)
Television Series: "We were only trying to help." (Dialogue from a recent episode of The Crown, November 2023)
Video Games: "You have only one chance to defeat the final boss." (In-game text or dialogue from Elden Ring, February 2022)
Podcasts: "This segment is for premium subscribers only." (From a popular true-crime podcast, March 2024)
General Public Discourse:
"I only went to the store for milk, but I ended up buying a lot more." (Everyday conversation)
"It's only fair that everyone gets a turn." (Common expression)
"The concert tickets were available only online, and they sold out in minutes." (Discussion among friends)
"We can only hope for the best now." (Expression of resignation or limited power)
10 Quotes Using Only
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." (Steve Jobs)
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." (Mae West)
"I know only one thing: that I know nothing." (Socrates)
"There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing." (Aristotle)
"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince)
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." (Socrates, often attributed)
"If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." (Isaac Newton, though sometimes rendered with "I have only been able to see so far...")
Etymology
The word "only" has a long history, going back to Old English, the earliest form of the English language spoken before about 1150 AD.
It comes from the Old English word "ānlic" (sometimes spelled "ǣnlīċ"), which literally means "one-like." You can break this down into "ān," meaning "one" (which is also where our modern word "one" comes from), and "-līċ," which is similar to our modern suffix "-ly" and means "like" or "having the qualities of."
So, the very first known meaning of "only" was to describe something as being single or unique, like "the only one of its kind" or "solitary." It was used both as an adjective (describing a noun) and an adverb (describing an action or how something is done).
Over time, during the Middle English period, the word evolved into forms like "oonly" and "only," and it started to be used in more ways, such as to mean "no more than" or "just," and even as a connecting word like "but" or "except." But at its core, "only" has always kept that original sense of being singular or restricted to one.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Only
Only child: A child who has no siblings.
Only just: Very recently; by a very small margin.
If only: Used to express a wish or regret.
Only a matter of time: Used to say that something is certain to happen.
The only game in town: The only available or viable option.
Only too well: Very well indeed; thoroughly.
Only natural: Completely expected or understandable.
Only connect: An idiom from E.M. Forster, meaning to truly understand or empathize with others.
One and only: Unique; singular; without equal.
Only fooling: Used to say one was not serious about what they said.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of only from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
