only

Universal Words adjective, adverb, conjunction adjective [onlybeforenoun] 1 used to say that no other or others of the same group exist or are there: She's their only daughter. * We were the only people there. * His only answer was a grunt. * Only five people turned up. 2 used to say that sb/sth is the best and you would not choose any other: She's the only person for the job. IDIOMS the only thing is... (spoken) used before mentioning a worry or problem you have with sth: I'd love to come-the only thing is I might be late. moreatNAMEn., ONEdet. adverb 1 nobody or nothing except: There are only a limited number of tickets available. * The bar is for members only. * You only have to look at her to see she doesn't eat enough. * Only five people turned up. 2 in no other situation, place, etc: I agreed, but only because I was frightened. * Children are admitted only if accompanied by an adult. HELPNOTE In formal written English only, or only if and its clause, can be placed first in the sentence. In the second part of the sentence, be, do, have, etc. come before the subject and the main part of the verb: Only in Paris do you find bars like this. * Only if these conditions are fulfilled can the application proceed to the next stage. 3 no more important, interesting, serious, etc. than: It was only a suggestion. * Don't blame me, I'm only the messenger! * He was only teasing you. 4 no more than; no longer than: She's only 21 and she runs her own business. * It only took a few seconds. * It took only a few seconds. 5 not until: We only got here yesterday. * (written) Only then did she realize the stress he was under. HELPNOTE When only begins a sentence be, do, have, etc. come before the subject and the main part of the verb. 6 used to say that sb can do no more than what is mentioned, although this is probably not enough: We can only guess what happened. * He could only watch helplessly as the car plunged into the ravine. * I only hope that she never finds out. 7 used to say that sth will have a bad effect: If you do that, it will only make matters worse. * Trying to reason with him only enrages him even more. 8 ~ to do sth (written) used to mention sth that happens immediately afterwards, especially sth that causes surprise, disappointment, etc: She turned up the driveway, only to find her way blocked. IDIOMS not only...but (also)... both...and...: He not only read the book, but also remembered what he had read. only just 1 not long ago/before: We've only just arrived. 2 almost not: He only just caught the train. * I can afford it, but only just. only too... very: I was only too pleased to help. * Children can be difficult as we know only too well. you're only young once (saying) young people should enjoy themselves as much as possible, because they will have to work and worry later in their lives moreatEYEn., IFconj. conjunction (informal) except that; but: I'd love to come, only I have to work. * It tastes like chicken, only stronger.