only

/ˈə‍ʊnli/

/ˈoʊnɫi/

only

not another thing or person existing in the same category

synonyms : lone(a)

exclusive of anyone or anything else

synonyms : alone(p)

only

with anyone or anything else excluded

synonyms : but

without any others being included or involved

synonyms : alone

with nevertheless the final result

in the final outcome

except that

never except when

synonyms : only if

as recently as

Examples

1. The HR department only shared the employee's personal information on a need-to-know basis.

2. The carpet only reached halfway across the room.

3. Our policy only allows for exchanges.

4. We only received the signatures at the eleventh hour.