Deeper Dive: only

only adjective [OE. only, anly, onlich, AS. ānlic, i.e., onelike. See One, and Like, adjective]

1. One alone; single; as, the only man present; his only occupation.

2. Alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the same class or kind; as, an only child.

3. Hence, (figuratively): Alone, by reason of superiority; preeminent; chief.
“Motley’s the only wear.” Shak.
On′ly adverb [See Only, adjective]

1. In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely.
And to be loved himself, needs only to be known. Dryden.
2. So and no otherwise; no other than; exclusively; solely; wholly.
“She being only wicked.” Beau. & Fl.

Every imagination . . . of his heart was only evil. Gen. vi. 5.
3. Singly; without more; as, only-begotten.

4. Above all others; particularly. [Obs.]
His most only elected mistress. Marston.
On′ly conjunction Save or except (that); – an adversative used elliptically with or without that, and properly introducing a single fact or consideration.
He might have seemed some secretary or clerk . . . only that his low, flat, unadorned cap . . . indicated that he belonged to the city. Sir W. Scott.



-- Webster's unabridged 1913





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