Mearly vs. Merely: The Correct Spellings

Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on March 19, 2024

"Mearly" is incorrect; the correct spelling is "merely." Merely means only, just, or simply.

Mearly vs. Merely

Which is correct: Mearly or Merely

How to spell Merely?

Incorrect Spelling

Mearly

Correct Spelling

Merely

Is it Mearly or Merely

Associate "merely" with "barely," as both suggest a minimal degree and share a similar ending sound.

Mar 19, 2024

Think of "merely" as combining "mere" and "ly" to emphasize the simplicity or insignificance of something.

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Note the similarity between "merely" and "purely" in both meaning and structure, with "purely" also ending in "ly."

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Remember, "merely" contains "mere," which also means simple or basic, helping link the meaning to the spelling.

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Use a mnemonic: My Effort Really Emphasizes Little Yield," where each initial letter helps recall "Merely.

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How Do You Spell Merely Correctly?

Incorrect: She mearly glanced at the document before signing.

Correct: She merely glanced at the document before signing.

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Incorrect: The solution was mearly temporary and wouldn't last long.

Correct: The solution was merely temporary and wouldn't last long.

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Incorrect: It was mearly a coincidence that they arrived at the same time.

Correct: It was merely a coincidence that they arrived at the same time.

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Incorrect: They were mearly children, unaware of the complexities of life.

Correct: They were merely children, unaware of the complexities of life.

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Incorrect: He was mearly suggesting an alternative.

Correct: He was merely suggesting an alternative.

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Merely Definitions

Suggesting something is not important or significant.

The victory was merely symbolic, having no practical effect.

Feb 26, 2024

Only as specified and nothing more; simply.

He merely smiled in response, offering no words.

Feb 26, 2024

Used to emphasize how small or insignificant someone or something is.

It's merely a scratch, nothing serious.

Feb 26, 2024

Used to indicate that nothing more than what is mentioned is involved.

She was merely passing by when she saw the accident.

Feb 26, 2024

Indicating the simplest or least complicated aspect of something.

The task is merely a matter of following the instructions.

Feb 26, 2024

Merely Meaning in a Sentence

The rumor was merely a misunderstanding.

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He merely nodded to acknowledge her presence.

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It was merely a matter of time before they found out.

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It's merely a formality, but we need to follow the procedure.

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She completed the project merely to prove she could.

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The gift was merely a token of appreciation.

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The meeting was merely a briefing, not a decision-making session.

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The decoration was merely for show and had no practical use.

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They argued over something that was merely trivial.

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The story was interesting but merely fictional.

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The change in policy was merely an adjustment, not an overhaul.

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The success was not merely luck; it was due to hard work.

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The delay was merely a minor inconvenience.

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They were merely waiting for the rain to stop before leaving.

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He attended the event merely out of obligation.

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The item was sold for merely a few dollars.

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He was merely curious, with no intention of interfering.

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The agreement was merely verbal and not legally binding.

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The exercise is merely to warm up before the actual workout.

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She was not upset, merely surprised by the news.

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Their victory was merely the first step towards a larger goal.

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The difference between the two options is merely cosmetic.

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His contribution was merely symbolic, but appreciated nonetheless.

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The comment was made in jest, merely to lighten the mood.

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She visits her hometown merely once a year.

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Merely Idioms

Merely a stone's throw away

Very close in distance.

The new café is merely a stone's throw away from my house.

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Merely a matter of time

Something is sure to happen eventually.

Finding a solution was merely a matter of time.

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Merely a drop in the ocean

A very small amount compared to what is needed.

The charity donation was generous but merely a drop in the ocean.

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Merely scratching the surface

Only beginning to understand or deal with something.

With these discoveries, we are merely scratching the surface of what's possible.

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Merely a formality

A required or expected action, but without real significance or impact.

The interview was merely a formality since he was already chosen for the job.

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Merely by the book

Following rules or procedures exactly.

The process was carried out merely by the book, with no room for creativity.

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Merely the tip of the iceberg

Only a small, visible part of a much larger issue.

The problems we see are merely the tip of the iceberg.

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Not merely a pretty face

Having qualities or abilities beyond what is visible.

She's an excellent engineer, not merely a pretty face.

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Merely a shadow of oneself

To be a much weaker or lesser version than before.

After the illness, he was merely a shadow of himself.

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Merely for the sake of argument

Arguing or discussing something for the purpose of debate rather than with a firm belief.

I say this merely for the sake of argument, but consider the opposite view.

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Merely a stepping stone

Something that is used as a stage or phase towards achieving something greater.

The job was merely a stepping stone to his ultimate career goals.

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Merely to play devil's advocate

To take a contrary position for the purpose of debate or to explore different aspects of an argument.

I'm merely playing devil's advocate here, but what if we're wrong?

Mar 19, 2024

Merely on principle

Doing something based on one's belief or rule, rather than practicality.

He refused the offer merely on principle, not because it was bad.

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Merely out of curiosity

Acting with the sole desire to know or learn something.

I asked merely out of curiosity; it wasn't meant to offend.

Mar 19, 2024

Merely a whisper away

Very close or nearly achievable.

Success is merely a whisper away; we just need to reach out and grab it.

Mar 19, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Can "merely" be used to diminish the importance of something?

Yes, "merely" can be used to suggest that something is less important or significant than it might seem.

Mar 19, 2024

What does "merely" imply in a sentence?

"Merely" implies that something is only as it is described, without additional significance, importance, or complexity.

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Is "merely" a negative word?

Not necessarily; its connotation depends on context. It can indicate simplicity or minimalism, which can be either negative or positive.

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Does "merely" change the meaning of a sentence significantly?

It can, by focusing the reader's or listener's attention on the simplicity or singularity of the subject.

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Is "merely" ever used in legal or technical writing?

Yes, "merely" can be used in legal or technical contexts to clarify the scope or limitations of a statement or regulation.

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How do I use "merely" in a sentence to emphasize minimal effort?

You might say, He succeeded with merely a minimal effort, to emphasize how little was required for success.

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Can "merely" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "merely" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the tone and style of the writing.

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Can "merely" be used to contrast expectations?

Absolutely. For example, It was merely a formality, contrary to what we expected.

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How does the use of "merely" affect the tone of communication?

It can introduce a tone of reduction or limitation, focusing on the bare facts or minimizing the extent or impact of the subject.

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How does "merely" compare with "simply"?

"Merely" and "simply" can often be used interchangeably, but "merely" often emphasizes a lack or limitation, while "simply" can imply ease or straightforwardness.

Mar 19, 2024

Alliviate vs. Alleviate

Sucessive vs. Successive

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At Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.

Edited by

As a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.