/ ˈmɪəli; NAmE ˈmɪrli/ adverb
used meaning 'only' or 'simply' to emphasize a fact or sth that you are saying :
It is not merely a job, but a way of life.
He said nothing, merely smiled and watched her.
They agreed to go merely because they were getting paid for it.
I'm merely stating what everybody knows anyway.