Merely

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈmɪəli/
• US IPA: /ˈmɪɹli/

Origin

From mere + -ly.

Full definition of merely

Adverb

1. (obsolete) Wholly, entirely. 16th-20th c.
• 1644, John Milton, Aeropagitica:It is not forgot, since the acute and distinct Arminius was perverted meerly by the perusing of a namelesse discourse writt'n at Delf, which at first he took in hand to confute.
2. (focus) Without any other reason etc.; only, just, and nothing more. from 16th c.