mere
Pronounced:
/ˈmiɚ/
Function:
adjective always used before a nounInflected forms:
mer·estMeaning:
1 —used to say that something or someone is small, unimportant, etc. ▪ She was a mere child [=she was only a child] when her father died. ▪ His voice did not rise above a mere whisper. = His voice did not rise above the merest [=slightest] whisper. ▪ You can taste a mere hint of spice. = You can taste the merest hint of spice. ▪ The trip takes a mere two hours. [=the trip takes only two hours] ▪ You can own this car for a mere 20 dollars a week. ▪ These mysteries can't be solved by mere mortals like us.
2 —used to say that something small is important or has a big effect or influence ▪ The mere thought of going makes me nervous. ▪ The mere fact that he agreed to help us is a good sign. ▪ The mere/merest mention of his name makes her angry. ▪ He gets sick at the merest sight of blood.
2 —used to say that something small is important or has a big effect or influence ▪ The mere thought of going makes me nervous. ▪ The mere fact that he agreed to help us is a good sign. ▪ The mere/merest mention of his name makes her angry. ▪ He gets sick at the merest sight of blood.