Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
You use ~ to emphasize that something consists of only one thing, happens for only one reason, or is done in only one way.
The table is ~ a chipboard circle on a base...
Most of the damage that’s occurred was ~ because of fallen trees...
= just
ADV: ADV before v, ADV with cl/group emphasis
2.
You use ~ to emphasize what you are saying.
This sort of increase ~ cannot be justified...
So many of these questions ~ don’t have answers...
= just
ADV: ADV before v, ADV adj emphasis
3.
see also simple