Word of the Day: Only
The word “only” creates some kind of a limit.
- There’s only one banana left.
- We can only stay for a couple of hours.
- He only has three dollars in his pocket.
- You can drive only 25 miles per hour in this area.
This word is applied when a situation is good:
- This car is only $4500.
- We’re only a few minutes late.
- The flight only lasted an hour.
- It’s only 10:00. We have time to go somewhere.
But sometimes the situation is not so good:
- We’re the only ones here at this party.
- I don’t want to wake up. It’s only five in the morning.
- You’re too young to drive if you’re only 14 years old.
- She was only 35 when she died.
There are many, many different situations in which “only” might be used:
- He’s the one and only. (There’s no other. He’s original or he’s the one person to fill the position.)
- If only we could save enough money. (It’s difficult to save money.)
- If only that were true. (The situation isn’t true, but it’s nice to think about.)
- If only! (This is used when wishing for something.)
- He’s an only child. (He has no brothers or sisters.)
- This is for you and you only. ( I don’t want you to share this with other people.)
- You’re only going to make matters worse. (This is kind of an expression. It means that a person’s intentions or actions will create more problems.)
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with O page to see the list of all words starting with letter O. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
