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on‧ly1 S1 W1
1 not more than a particular number, age etc : Naomi was only 17 when she got married. There are only a few cars on the island. It's only eight o'clock.
Naomi was only 17 when she got married.There are only a few cars on the island.It's only eight o'clock.2 used to say that something or someone is not very important, serious etc : It was only a joke. It's an interesting job, but it's only temporary. They're only small cuts, nothing life-threatening.
It was only a joke.It's an interesting job, but it's only temporary.They're only small cuts, nothing life-threatening.3 nothing or no one except a particular person or thing : Only the president can authorize a nuclear attack. We use only the best ingredients.
Only the president can authorize a nuclear attack.We use only the best ingredients.4 used to say that something happens or is possible in one particular situation or place and no others, or for one particular reason :
5 no earlier than a particular time
only then did/would/could etc somebody do something (=at that moment and not before) Only then did she tell him about the attack.
Only then did she tell him about the attack.6
only just
British Englisha) a very short time ago ago : She's only just got up.
She's only just got up.b) almost not [= barely]: I only just finished my essay in time.
I only just finished my essay in time.7 used to say that it is not possible to do more than hope etc : We can only hope it won't rain on the day.
can only hope/wait etc
We can only hope it won't rain on the day.8 used when you are giving a reason for something, to say that you do not know something for certain but think that this is the only possible reason : I can only assume that it was a mistake.
I can only think/suppose/assume (that)
spokenI can only assume that it was a mistake.9 used to express a strong wish or hope : 'What's happening?' 'I only wish I knew.'
I only wish/hope
spoken'What's happening?' 'I only wish I knew.'11 used to tell someone that what they want to do will have a bad effect : Don't interfere - you'll only make things worse.
you'll only
spokenDon't interfere - you'll only make things worse.12 used to say that it is easy to know that something is true because you can see or hear things that prove it : You only have to look at the statistics to see that things are getting worse.
you only have to read/look at/listen to etc something
spokenYou only have to look at the statistics to see that things are getting worse.13 used to say that someone did something, with a disappointing or surprising result : I arrived only to find that the others had already left.
only to
I arrived only to find that the others had already left.14 very : Prices have risen sharply, as we know only too well. Mark was only too happy to agree with her.
only too
Prices have risen sharply, as we know only too well.Mark was only too happy to agree with her.