Only vs. Sole — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 28, 2024
"Only" emphasizes exclusivity or singularity within a context, suggesting no others exist beyond the specified subject. "Sole" directly indicates being the single one of its kind, underscoring uniqueness without implying comparison.
Difference Between Only and Sole
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Only" is a versatile adverb or adjective that highlights the absence of others in a specific context or category, often used to stress exclusivity or a singular instance among many possibilities. It suggests that within a set boundary or condition, nothing else compares or applies. "Sole," on the other hand, is an adjective that directly describes something as being the only one of its kind, without the necessity of a comparative context. It implies intrinsic uniqueness or being alone in status or position.
While "only" can imply limitation or restriction, often highlighting an exception or a unique case in a broader scenario, "sole" directly conveys the state of having no companions, counterparts, or competition. The difference lies in nuance; "only" might suggest a comparison or selection from a group, whereas "sole" asserts a state of being the only one without implying alternatives.
The usage of "only" is broader and can apply to various scenarios where exclusivity or limitation needs to be stressed. "Sole" is more specific and is used when it's essential to underline that something or someone exists without any peers or equivalents in a particular regard.
Both "only" and "sole" serve to emphasize uniqueness, but they do so from slightly different angles. "Only" is more about exclusivity within a context or compared to other possibilities, while "sole" underscores an inherent or absolute singularity, often with a focus on ownership, presence, or status.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb or adjective
Adjective
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Meaning
Emphasizes exclusivity or singularity within a context.
Indicates being the single one of its kind.
Implication
Suggests a comparison or selection from a group.
Asserts being alone without implying alternatives.
Usage
Broader, applies to scenarios emphasizing limitation.
Specific, underlines absence of peers in a certain regard.
Example
"She is the only one who laughed."
"He was the sole representative from his company."
Compare with Definitions
Only
Implies a unique status by exclusion.
She's the only person qualified for the role.
Sole
Unique without any competition.
The sole surviving painting of the artist is priceless.
Only
Exclusive among others in a given context.
He is the only member of the club who hasn't visited the new venue.
Sole
Being the only one; unmatched.
She is the sole author of the groundbreaking study.
Only
Limits or restricts to a single entity.
Only five applicants were selected for the interview.
Sole
Alone in status, position, or occurrence.
He found himself the sole passenger on the flight.
Only
Used to emphasize a solitary condition or fact.
The museum is open only on weekends.
Sole
Emphasizes the absence of others in a specific role.
The organization's sole mission is to protect endangered species.
Only
Singular in occurrence or existence.
This is the only path to the lake.
Sole
Indicates exclusive possession or responsibility.
She became the sole owner of the family business.
Only
Alone in kind or class; sole
That's the only pen I have.
Sole
A shipping forecast area in the north-eastern Atlantic, covering the western approaches to the English Channel.
Only
Having no siblings
An only child.
Sole
Put a new sole on to (a shoe)
He wanted several pairs of boots to be soled and heeled
Only
Most suitable of all; superior or excellent
This is the only way to cook a good steak.
Sole
One and only
My sole aim was to contribute to the national team
Only
Without anyone or anything else; alone
We have only two sandwiches left.
Sole
(especially of a woman) unmarried.
Only
At the very least
If you would only come home. The story was only too true.
Sole
The underside of the foot.
Only
And nothing else or more; merely; just
I was only following orders.
Sole
The underside of a shoe or boot, often excluding the heel.
Only
Exclusively; solely
Facts known only to us.
Sole
The bottom surface of a plow.
Only
In the last analysis or final outcome; inevitably
Actions that will only make things worse.
Sole
The bottom surface of the head of a golf club.
Only
With the negative or unfortunate result
Received a raise only to be laid off.
Sole
Any of various chiefly marine flatfishes of the family Soleidae, having both eyes on the right side of the body, and including food fishes such as the Dover sole of the Atlantic Ocean.
Only
As recently as
Called me only last month.
Sole
Any of various other flatfishes, especially certain flounders.
Only
In the immediate past
Only just saw them.
Sole
To furnish (a shoe or boot) with a sole.
Only
Were it not that; except that
We would have reached the summit, only the weather got bad.
Sole
To put the sole of (a golf club) on the ground, as in preparing to make a stroke.
Only
With the restriction that; but
You may go, only be careful.
Sole
Being the only one
The sole survivor of the crash.
Only
However; and yet
The merchandise is well made, only we can't use it.
Sole
Of or relating to only one individual or group; exclusive
She took sole command of the ship.
Only
Alone in a category.
He is the only doctor for miles.
The only people in the stadium were the fans: no players, coaches, or officials.
He was the only male in attendance at the boyband concert.
That was the only time I went to Turkey.
Sole
Only.
Only
Singularly superior; the best.
Sole
(legal) Unmarried (especially of a woman); widowed.
Only
Without sibling; without a sibling of the same gender.
He is their only son, in fact, an only child.
Sole
Unique; unsurpassed.
The sole brilliance of this gem.
Only
(obsolete) Mere.
Sole
With independent power; unfettered.
A sole authority.
Only
Without others or anything further; exclusively.
My heart is hers, and hers only.
The cat sat only on the mat. It kept off the sofa.
Sole
(anatomy) The bottom or plantar surface of the foot.
Only
No more than; just.
The cat only sat on the mat. It didn't scratch it.
If there were only one more ticket!
Sole
(footwear) The bottom of a shoe or boot.
Only
As recently as.
He left only moments ago.
Sole
(obsolete) The foot itself.
Only
(Britain) Used to express surprise or consternation at an action.
She's only gone and run off with the milkman!
Sole
(fish) Solea solea, a flatfish of the family Soleidae.
Only
Introduces a disappointing or surprising outcome that renders futile something previously mentioned.
They rallied from a three-goal deficit only to lose in the final two minutes of play.
I helped him out only for him to betray me.
Sole
The bottom or lower part of anything, or that on which anything rests in standing.
Only
(obsolete) Above all others; particularly.
Sole
The bottom of the body of a plough; the slade.
Only
(informal) Under the condition that; but.
You're welcome to borrow my bicycle, only please take care of it.
Sole
The bottom of a furrow.
Only
But; except.
I would enjoy running, only I have this broken leg.
She would get good results only she gets nervous.
Sole
The end section of the chanter of a set of bagpipes.
Only
An only child.
Sole
The horny substance under a horse's foot, which protects the more tender parts.
Only
One alone; single; as, the only man present; his only occupation.
Sole
(military) The bottom of an embrasure.
Only
Alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the same class or kind; as, an only child.
Sole
(nautical) A piece of timber attached to the lower part of the rudder, to make it even with the false keel.
Only
Alone, by reason of superiority; preëminent; chief.
Sole
(nautical) The floor inside the cabin of a yacht or boat
Only
In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely.
And to be loved himself, needs only to be known.
Sole
(mining) The seat or bottom of a mine; applied to horizontal veins or lodes.
Only
So and no otherwise; no other than; exclusively; solely; wholly.
Every imagination . . . of his heart was only evil.
Sole
A wooden band or yoke put around the neck of an ox or cow in the stall.
Only
Singly; without more; as, only-begotten.
Sole
A pond or pool; a dirty pond of standing water.
Only
Above all others; particularly.
His most only elected mistress.
Sole
(transitive) to put a sole on (a shoe or boot)
Only
Save or except (that); - an adversative used elliptically with or without that, and properly introducing a single fact or consideration.
He might have seemed some secretary or clerk . . . only that his low, flat, unadorned cap . . . indicated that he belonged to the city.
Sole
To pull by the ears; to pull about; haul; lug.
Only
Being the only one; single and isolated from others;
The lone doctor in the entire county
A lonesome pine
An only child
The sole heir
The sole example
A solitary instance of cowardice
A solitary speck in the sky
Sole
Any one of several species of flatfishes of the genus Solea and allied genera of the family Soleidæ, especially the common European species (Solea vulgaris), which is a valuable food fish.
Only
Exclusive of anyone or anything else;
She alone believed him
Cannot live by bread alone
I'll have this car and this car only
Sole
The bottom of the foot; hence, also, rarely, the foot itself.
The dove found no rest for the sole of her foot.
Hast wandered through the world now long a day,Yet ceasest not thy weary soles to lead.
Only
And nothing more;
I was merely asking
It is simply a matter of time
Just a scratch
He was only a child
Hopes that last but a moment
Sole
The bottom of a shoe or boot, or the piece of leather which constitutes the bottom.
The "caliga" was a military shoe, with a very thick sole, tied above the instep.
Only
Without any others being included or involved;
Was entirely to blame
A school devoted entirely to the needs of problem children
He works for Mr. Smith exclusively
Did it solely for money
The burden of proof rests on the prosecution alone
A privilege granted only to him
Sole
The bottom or lower part of anything, or that on which anything rests in standing.
Only
With nevertheless the final result;
He arrived only to find his wife dead
We won only to lose again in the next round
Sole
To furnish with a sole; as, to sole a shoe.
Only
In the final outcome;
These news will only make you more upset
Sole
Being or acting without another; single; individual; only.
He, be sure . . . first and last will reignSole king.
Only
Except that;
It was the same story; only this time she came out better
Sole
Single; unmarried; as, a feme sole.
Only
Never except when;
Call me only if your cold gets worse
Sole
The underside of footwear or a golfclub
Only
As recently as;
I spoke to him only an hour ago
Sole
Lean flesh of any of several flatfish
Sole
The underside of the foot
Sole
Right-eyed flatfish; many are valued as food; most common in warm seas especially European
Sole
Put a new sole on;
Sole the shoes
Sole
Not divided or shared with others;
They have exclusive use of the machine
Sole rights of publication
Sole
Being the only one; single and isolated from others;
The lone doctor in the entire county
A lonesome pine
An only child
The sole heir
The sole example
A solitary instance of cowardice
A solitary speck in the sky
Common Curiosities
What does "sole" mean?
"Sole" describes something as being the only one of its kind, focusing on intrinsic uniqueness without comparison.
How does "only" imply limitation?
"Only" suggests that within set boundaries, conditions, or among possibilities, nothing else qualifies or is included, thereby implying limitation or restriction.
What does "only" mean?
"Only" refers to being the single one within a specific context or category, emphasizing exclusivity or singularity.
Can "only" and "sole" be used interchangeably?
While they share similarities in conveying uniqueness, their nuances may not always make them interchangeable. The choice depends on whether the emphasis is on exclusivity within a context ("only") or inherent singularity ("sole").
What distinguishes "sole" from "only" in usage?
"Sole" is used to underline an absolute or inherent state of being the only one, often without the need for comparison, whereas "only" emphasizes uniqueness or exclusion within a broader context or group.
How do "only" and "sole" affect the emphasis in a sentence?
"Only" focuses on singularity by exclusion or limitation, while "sole" emphasizes inherent uniqueness and absence of counterparts.
Can "sole" refer to responsibility or ownership?
Yes, "sole" often indicates exclusive responsibility, ownership, or authorship, emphasizing that no one else shares in the role or possession.
What is an example where "only" and "sole" cannot be swapped?
"He is the only one who didn't know" (implies he was excluded from knowing) vs. "He was the sole survivor" (implies he alone survived, with no implication of exclusion).
Is "sole" always about being alone?
Yes, "sole" directly indicates being alone in a status, position, or occurrence, highlighting an unmatched state.
Why choose "only" over "sole" in a sentence?
Choosing "only" over "sole" would depend on the context and the desired emphasis on exclusion from a group or limitation within specific conditions.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
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Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
