onlyadjective [ before noun ]
uk/ˈəʊn.li/us/ˈoʊn.li/A1 used to show that there is a single one or very few of something, or that there are no others:
More examples
- The only time I have clear next week is Tuesday afternoon.
- The rebels' only form of defence against the soldiers' guns was sticks and stones.
- An Olympic gold medal is the only thing that has evaded her in her remarkable career.
- Dennis White scored the only goal in an otherwise forgettable match.
- They turned their noses up at the only hotel that was available.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Numbers: single, double & multiple
- alone
- binary
- deca-
- double (up) as sth
- double-action
- double-digit
- dual
- dualism
- duality
- herself
- individual
- mono
- multilateral
- multiple
- none
- odd
- solely
- treble
- unilateral
- unit
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onlyadverb
uk/ˈəʊn.li/us/ˈoʊn.li/only adverb (NOT MORE)
A1 used to show that something is limited to not more than, or is not anything other than, the people, things, amount, or activity stated:
More examples
- Of 30 countries inspected for airline safety, only 17 received a clean bill of health.
- I was only doing 30 mph on the clock.
- He only got the job because of his connections!
- She only asked me to her party as an afterthought.
- Not only did I speak to her, I even got her autograph!
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Numbers: single, double & multiple
- alone
- binary
- deca-
- double (up) as sth
- double-action
- double-digit
- dual
- dualism
- duality
- herself
- individual
- mono
- multilateral
- multiple
- none
- odd
- solely
- treble
- unilateral
- unit
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B1 used to refer to something that happens almost immediately after something else:
almost not:
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
In the past
- ago
- any more idiom
- anymore
- back in the day idiom
- before
- clock
- dot
- flood
- late
- memory
- more
- no longer idiom
- of late idiom
- of old idiom
- old
- the mists of time idiom
- the status quo ante
- the week/month/year before last idiom
- the year dot idiom
- use
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
B2 used to say that two related things are true or happened, especially when this is surprising or shocking:
If you say you have only (got) to do something, you mean that it is all you need to do in order to achieve something else:
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Also, extra, and in addition
- added
- additional
- again
- along
- also
- case
- excess
- for good measure idiom
- for luck idiom
- furthermore
- hand
- have sth in hand idiom
- say
- second 1
- side
- the icing on the cake idiom
- thirdly
- to boot idiom
- to cap it all idiom
- to say nothing of ... idiom
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
only adverb (BAD RESULT)
used when saying that something unpleasant will happen as a result of an action or a failure to act:
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Merely and barely
- all
- all of sth idiom
- at a pinch idiom
- barely
- but
- by a whisker idiom
- by inches idiom
- hardly
- ill
- inch
- just
- merely
- merest
- narrowly
- nothing more than idiom
- pinch
- scarcely
- whisker
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only adverb (FEEL SORRY)
used to show that you feel sorry about something that cannot happen when explaining why it cannot happen:
B2 used to emphasize what you are hoping or wishing for:
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Sadness and regret
- a heavy heart idiom
- be/weigh on your conscience idiom
- bitter
- bring a lump to/have a lump in your throat idiom
- broken-hearted
- gloom
- gloomy
- guilt
- guilt complex
- guilt trip
- guilt-ridden
- guilt trip
- lament
- mourn
- repent
- rue
- rue the day idiom
- rueful
- sackcloth
- sad
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only adverb (SILLY)
UK informal used to show that you think someone has done something silly:
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Linguistics: interjections
- (well) what do you know! idiom
- aiyo
- alas
- aw shucks
- awesomesauce
- bam
- bless
- boo
- charming
- good show idiom
- goodness
- heck
- hot dog! idiom
- talk
- use your loaf idiom
- voilà
- wake up! idiom
- watch out
- what an idea! idiom
- yes
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Idiom(s)
onlyconjunction
uk/ˈəʊn.li/us/ˈoʊn.li/C2 used to show what is the single or main reason why something mentioned in the first part of the sentence cannot be performed or is not completely true:
More examples
- I'd offer to give you a lift to the airport, only I've got to go to work.
- I'll make dinner, only not until you've tidied your room.
- I'd would pay for dinner, only I've forgotten my wallet.
- I would help you move house, only I've hurt my back.
- Her latest novel is similar to her last one, only it's not as well written.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Linguistics: connecting words which express a contrast
- after
- again
- any way you slice it idiom
- at any rate idiom
- at least idiom
- best
- disjunctive
- given
- however
- least
- might
- never
- nevertheless
- no thanks to sb idiom
- rate
- seeing (that)
- slice
- though
- tooth
- when
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