only

Definition

Alone in a category.

Etymology

From Middle English oonly, only, from Old English ānlīċ, ǣnlīċ (“only; singular; solitary”), from Proto-Germanic *ainalīkaz. Cognate with obsolete Dutch eenlijk, German ähnlich (“similar”), Old Norse álíkr, Swedish enlig (“unified”). By surface analysis, on(e) + -ly. * Regarding the different phonological development of only and one, see the note in one.

Example Sentences

• "He is the only doctor for miles."
• "The only people in the stadium were the fans: no players, coaches, or officials."
• "He was the only male in attendance at the boyband concert."