1. наречие 1) только, просто Например: only just — только что only not — чуть не, едва не, почти Синоним(ы): solely 2) исключительно; единственно Синоним(ы): merely 3) а) недавно, только что Например: He has only just talked to her. — Он буквально только что поговорил с ней. б) всего лишь Например: only last week — всего лишь на прошлой неделе 2. прилагательное 1) единственный Например: an only child — единственный ребёнок Синоним(ы): single, sole 2) [диалектное] одинокий 3) исключительный, выдающийся Например: one and only — неповторимый, несравненный; уникальный Синоним(ы): peerless, matchless, incomparable 3. союз 1) а) но Например: You may leave, only come back early. — Вы можете идти, но возвращайтесь пораньше. б) однако, тем не менее Синоним(ы): however 2) если не Синоним(ы): except
I. adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ānlīc, from ān one — more at one 1. unquestionably the best; peerless 2. a. alone in a class or category; sole Example: the only one left Example: the only known species b. having no brother or sister Example: an only child 3. few Example: one of the only areas not yet explored II. adverb 1. a. as a single fact or instance and nothing more or different; merely Example: has only lost one election — George Orwell b. solely, exclusively Example: known only to him 2. at the very least Example: it was only too true 3. a. in the final outcome Example: will only make you sick b. with nevertheless the final result Example: won the battles, only to lose the war 4. a. as recently as; not before Example: only last week Example: only in the last year did she get recognition b. in the immediate past Example: only just talked to her Usage: The placement of only in a sentence has been a source of studious commentary since the 18th century, most of it intended to prove by force of argument that prevailing standard usage is wrong. After 200 years of preachment the following observations may be made: the position of only in standard spoken English is not fixed, since ambiguity is avoided through sentence stress; in casual prose that keeps close to the rhythms of speech only is often placed where it would be in speech; and in edited and more formal prose only tends to be placed immediately before the word or words it modifies. III. conjunction 1. a. with the restriction that; but Example: you may go, only come back early b. and yet; however Example: they look very nice, only we can't use them 2. were it not that; except Example: I'd introduce you to her, only you'd win her — Jack London