Definition: exclusive of anyone or anything else
Usage: she alone believed him; cannot live by bread alone; I'll have this car and this car only
Main entry: only, sole, solitary, lone, lonesome
Definition: being the only one; single and isolated from others
Usage: the lone doctor in the entire county; a lonesome pine; an only child; the sole heir; the sole example; a solitary instance of cowardice; a solitary speck in the sky
Main entry: just, merely, only, but, simply
Definition: and nothing more
Usage: I was merely asking; it is simply a matter of time; just a scratch; he was only a child; hopes that last but a moment
Main entry: only, solely, alone, entirely, exclusively
Definition: without any others being included or involved
Usage: was entirely to blame; a school devoted entirely to the needs of problem children; he works for Mr. Smith exclusively; did it solely for money; the burden of proof rests on the prosecution alone; a privilege granted only to him
Main entry: only
Definition: with nevertheless the final result
Usage: He arrived only to find his wife dead; We won only to lose again in the next round
Main entry: only
Definition: in the final outcome
Usage: These news will only make you more upset
Main entry: only
Definition: as recently as
Usage: I spoke to him only an hour ago
Main entry: only
Definition: except that
Usage: It was the same story; only this time she came out better
Main entry: only, only if, only when
Definition: never except when
Usage: call me only if your cold gets worse