adv., adj., & conj.
adv. 1 solely, merely, exclusively; and no one or nothing more besides (I only want to sit down; will only make matters worse; needed six only; is only a child). 2 no longer ago than (saw them only yesterday). 3 not until (arrives only on Tuesday). 4 with no better result than (hurried home only to find her gone). °In informal English only is usually placed between the subject and verb regardless of what it refers to (e.g. I only want to talk to you); in more formal English it is often placed more exactly, esp. to avoid ambiguity (e.g. I want to talk only to you). In speech, intonation usually serves to clarify the sense.
attrib.adj. 1 existing alone of its or their kind (their only son). 2 best or alone worth knowing (the only place to eat).
conj. colloq. 1 except that; but for the fact that (I would go, only I feel ill). 2 but then (as an extra consideration) (he always makes promises, only he never keeps them). only-begotten literary begotten as the only child. only too extremely (is only too willing).
[ OE anlic, nlic, ME onliche (as ONE, -LY(2)) ]