adverb
merely
Only; nothing more than.
The receptionist merely checks our names and hands us badges.
Etymology
Merely adds -ly to mere. As mere developed the limiting meaning nothing more than, the adverb came to restrict a claim in the same way.
More examples
- This sketch is merely a starting point.
- I merely asked a question.
- You cannot learn to swim by merely reading about it.
Forms
mere adjective — Nothing more than what is specified.