Word: Mere

Pronunciation

/ˈmɪər/

Definitions

• Adjective: 1. Merely; only (used to emphasize how small or insignificant something is). For example: It’s a mere formality to sign this document.

  • 2. Barely sufficient or minimal; extremely small or limited. For instance: The child was but a mere toddler when he learned to read.
  • 3. Referring to a body of water that is shallow, often a lake or pond. Example: They swam across the mere.

• Noun: A small lake, especially one that is broad and shallow. Example: The village overlooked a tranquil mere.

Phrases

• “A mere matter of time”: This phrase implies that something is bound to happen sooner rather than later.
• “Mere words”: Implies that the spoken or written words lack substance or action behind them.

Example Sentences

• Adjective: The hike up the mountain was no mere stroll in the park.

• She dismissed his accomplishments as mere luck.

• We camped by the mere during our weekend getaway.

• Noun: The old mill stood picturesquely by the edge of the mere.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Simply, barely, just, no more than, nothing but
• Noun (body of water): Lake, pond, pool, lagoon