transcription, транскрипция: [ mɪə(r) ]
( merest)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
Note: 'Mere' does not have a comparative form. The superlative form 'merest' is used to emphasize how small something is, rather than in comparisons.
1.
You use mere to emphasize how unimportant or inadequate something is, in comparison to the general situation you are describing.
...successful exhibitions which go beyond mere success...
There is more to good health than the mere absence of disease...
She’d never received the merest hint of any communication from him.
ADJ : ADJ n [ emphasis ]
2.
You use mere to indicate that a quality or action that is usually unimportant has a very important or strong effect.
The mere mention of food had triggered off hunger pangs...
The team manager has been quick to clamp down on the merest hint of complacency.
ADJ : ADJ n
3.
You use mere to emphasize how small a particular amount or number is.
Sixty per cent of teachers are women, but a mere 5 percent of women are heads and deputies...
ADJ : a ADJ amount [ emphasis ]