Mearly vs. Merely: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on March 7, 2024
"Mearly" is incorrect, while "merely" is correct, signifying only or simply without additional implications.
Which is correct: Mearly or Merely
How to spell Merely?
Mearly is Incorrect
Merely is Correct
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Key Differences
Note that "merely" has the same 'e' sound twice, emphasizing simplicity.
Think of "mere" in "merely" as the smallest unit, just like its meaning.
Visualize "merely" as merely containing necessary letters, nothing extra.
Remember, "merely" contains "mere," indicating something basic or simple.
Associate "merely" with "purely," both ending in "ly" and suggesting simplicity.
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Correct usage of Merely
Merely I woke up to find out it was already noon.
They were mearly interested in the outcome of the game.
They were merely interested in the outcome of the game.
The magician's trick seemed mearly impossible at first.
The magician's trick seemed merely impossible at first.
I was mearly suggesting an alternative, not insisting on it.
I was merely suggesting an alternative, not insisting on it.
He thought he could mearly pass the test by guessing the answers.
He thought he could merely pass the test by guessing the answers.
Merely Definitions
Merely can mean purely or solely with no other reason.
The decision was made merely on the basis of cost.
Merely means nothing more than; just or only.
He was merely stating the facts, without any interpretation.
Merely indicates only or solely without further significance.
She's not upset, she's merely tired.
Merely can imply barely or by a small margin.
The budget passed merely by one vote.
Merely emphasizes that something is just so, without exaggeration.
It's merely a formality, nothing to worry about.
And nothing else or more; only
Their simultaneous arrival at the party was merely a coincidence.
(focus) Without any other reason etc.; only, just, and nothing more.
(obsolete) Wholly, entirely.
Purely; unmixedly; absolutely.
Ulysses was to force forth his access,Though merely naked.
Not otherwise than; simply; barely; only.
Prize not your life for other endsThan merely to oblige your friends.
And nothing more;
I was merely asking
It is simply a matter of time
Just a scratch
He was only a child
Hopes that last but a moment
Merely Sentences
It's merely a short walk from the school to the park.
The difference in taste is merely a matter of personal preference.
The movie was merely okay, not spectacular.
He merely glanced at the document before signing it.
They decided to go home after merely an hour at the party.
She could merely whisper, her voice nearly gone.
His victory was not luck; it was merely skill and hard work.
They are not angry, merely disappointed.
His appearance at the event was merely ceremonial.
She was merely joking when she said she'd move to Mars.
It was not a serious injury, merely a scratch.
The change in schedule is merely a minor inconvenience.
We can merely hope that the weather improves by tomorrow.
The museum visit was merely educational, not for entertainment.
The book is merely a collection of his earlier works.
It's merely a matter of time before they realize their mistake.
The solution to the problem was merely overlooked by everyone.
The painting seemed complex but was merely a series of simple strokes.
He claimed to be merely a bystander, not involved in the incident.
Merely Idioms & Phrases
Merely a drop in the ocean
A very small amount compared to the needed amount.
The money raised was merely a drop in the ocean for the disaster relief fund.
Merely a stone's throw away
Very close in distance.
The cafe is merely a stone's throw away from the library.
To merely scratch the surface
To deal with a very small part of a subject or a problem.
The report merely scratches the surface of the issue.
Merely a matter of time
Something is sure to happen eventually.
It's merely a matter of time before he realizes his mistake.
Merely a formality
A procedure that is carried out as a routine or tradition, without it having real significance.
The interview was merely a formality since he was already selected for the job.
Not merely a pretty face
Having qualities or abilities beyond what is visible.
She's not merely a pretty face; she's also a talented musician.
FAQs
What is the pronunciation of merely?
Merely is pronounced as /ˈmɪrli/.
Which vowel is used before merely?
Typically, "a" or "the" is used before merely, depending on the context.
What is the verb form of merely?
Merely does not have a verb form; it is an adverb.
What is the root word of merely?
The root word of merely is "mere."
Which conjunction is used with merely?
Conjunctions are not typically used directly with merely.
Is merely an adverb?
Yes, merely is an adverb.
Is merely an abstract noun?
No, merely is not a noun; it's an adverb.
Is merely a negative or positive word?
Merely is neutral; it simply minimizes or restricts the scope of what it describes.
Why is it called merely?
It's called merely as it originates from "mere," emphasizing something small or insignificant.
What is the plural form of merely?
Merely does not have a plural form; it's an adverb.
Which article is used with merely?
Articles are not typically used directly with adverbs like merely.
Which preposition is used with merely?
Prepositions are not commonly used directly with merely.
Is merely a noun or adjective?
Merely is an adverb.
Is merely a vowel or consonant?
The word merely starts with a consonant.
What is a stressed syllable in merely?
The first syllable "mer" is stressed in merely.
What is the singular form of merely?
Merely does not have a singular or plural form; it's an adverb.
Is merely a collective noun?
No, merely is an adverb, not a noun.
Which determiner is used with merely?
Determiners are not typically used with adverbs like merely.
How is merely used in a sentence?
Example: The play was merely an adaptation of the original novel.
Is the word merely imperative?
No, merely is not imperative; it is an adverb.
How many syllables are in merely?
Merely has two syllables.
What is the first form of merely?
Merely does not have forms; it's an adverb.
What is the second form of merely?
Merely does not have forms; it remains "merely."
What is the third form of merely?
Merely does not have forms; it remains "merely."
What part of speech is merely?
Merely is an adverb.
What is another term for merely?
Another term for merely is "simply" or "only."
Is merely a countable noun?
Merely is not a noun; it's an adverb.
Is the merely term a metaphor?
Merely can be used metaphorically to emphasize simplicity or insignificance.
How do we divide merely into syllables?
Merely is divided as mer-ly.
What is the opposite of merely?
The opposite of merely could be "significantly" or "largely."
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
