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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Origin: | merus 'pure, unmixed' |
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mere1 W3
superlative merest [only before noun, no comparative]
superlative merest [only before noun, no comparative]1 used to emphasize how small or unimportant something or someone is : She lost the election by a mere 20 votes. He's a mere child.
She lost the election by a mere 20 votes.He's a mere child.2 used to emphasize that something which is small or not extreme has a big effect or is important : The merest little noise makes him nervous. The mere thought of food made her feel sick.
The merest little noise makes him nervous.The mere thought of food made her feel sick.