Only vs. Solely — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 22, 2024
Only emphasizes exclusivity or singularity, while solely focuses on singleness of source or action.
Difference Between Only and Solely
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Only" is often used to denote something exclusive or singular in a general sense, whereas "solely" emphasizes a singular cause or source.
"Only" can imply limitation or restriction, suggesting that no other options exist. "Solely" implies a focus or concentration on a single factor or element.
"Only" is versatile, used in various contexts to denote exclusivity, while "solely" is more specific, often related to reasons or motivations.
"Only" might emphasize the uniqueness of an item or situation, while "solely" emphasizes the isolation of a factor or reason.
While sometimes interchangeable, "only" and "solely" can convey subtly different nuances, affecting the preciseness of expression.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Denoting something unique or singular
Focusing on a single factor or reason
Connotation
Implies limitation or exclusivity
Suggests focus or concentration on a single source
Usage
Broad, applicable in various contexts
More specific, often related to reasons or motivations
Emphasis
On the exclusivity or uniqueness
On the singularity of cause or action
Interchangeability
Sometimes, depending on context
Less interchangeable, more specific in application
Compare with Definitions
Only
With no others involved; solely.
The museum is only open on weekends.
Solely
Without any others involved; only.
The decision was made solely by the committee.
Only
Merely or just.
It's only a game, don't take it so seriously.
Solely
Focusing on a single aspect or factor.
He is solely responsible for the project's success.
Only
Unless; except that.
I would join you, only I have another commitment.
Solely
Entirely or completely.
The outcome depends solely on your performance.
Only
Exclusively or singularly; no one or nothing more besides.
She was the only participant to finish under an hour.
Solely
Just or merely.
The artwork is valued solely for its age.
Only
Alone in kind or class; sole
That's the only pen I have.
Solely
Exclusively for a particular purpose.
The fund was set up solely to aid disaster victims.
Only
Having no siblings
An only child.
Solely
Alone; singly
Solely responsible.
Only
Most suitable of all; superior or excellent
This is the only way to cook a good steak.
Solely
Entirely; exclusively
Did it solely for love.
Only
Without anyone or anything else; alone
We have only two sandwiches left.
Solely
Alone; exclusively.
The new chef was solely responsible for attending the grill.
Only
At the very least
If you would only come home. The story was only too true.
Solely
Singly; alone; only; without another; as, to rest a cause solely one argument; to rely solelyn one's own strength.
Only
And nothing else or more; merely; just
I was only following orders.
Solely
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
Only
Exclusively; solely
Facts known only to us.
Only
In the last analysis or final outcome; inevitably
Actions that will only make things worse.
Only
With the negative or unfortunate result
Received a raise only to be laid off.
Only
As recently as
Called me only last month.
Only
In the immediate past
Only just saw them.
Only
Were it not that; except that
We would have reached the summit, only the weather got bad.
Only
With the restriction that; but
You may go, only be careful.
Only
However; and yet
The merchandise is well made, only we can't use it.
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.
Only
Singularly superior; the best.
Only
Without sibling; without a sibling of the same gender.
He is their only son, in fact, an only child.
Only
(obsolete) Mere.
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.
Only
No more than; just.
The cat only sat on the mat. It didn't scratch it.
If there were only one more ticket!
Only
As recently as.
He left only moments ago.
Only
(Britain) Used to express surprise or consternation at an action.
She's only gone and run off with the milkman!
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.
Only
(obsolete) Above all others; particularly.
Only
(informal) Under the condition that; but.
You're welcome to borrow my bicycle, only please take care of it.
Only
But; except.
I would enjoy running, only I have this broken leg.
She would get good results only she gets nervous.
Only
An only child.
Only
One alone; single; as, the only man present; his only occupation.
Only
Alone in its class; by itself; not associated with others of the same class or kind; as, an only child.
Only
Alone, by reason of superiority; preëminent; chief.
Only
In one manner or degree; for one purpose alone; simply; merely; barely.
And to be loved himself, needs only to be known.
Only
So and no otherwise; no other than; exclusively; solely; wholly.
Every imagination . . . of his heart was only evil.
Only
Singly; without more; as, only-begotten.
Only
Above all others; particularly.
His most only elected mistress.
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.
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
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
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
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
Only
With nevertheless the final result;
He arrived only to find his wife dead
We won only to lose again in the next round
Only
In the final outcome;
These news will only make you more upset
Only
Except that;
It was the same story; only this time she came out better
Only
Never except when;
Call me only if your cold gets worse
Common Curiosities
Can "only" and "solely" be used interchangeably?
While sometimes interchangeable, they can convey different nuances, so the choice depends on the desired emphasis.
Is "only" more versatile than "solely"?
Yes, "only" is used in a broader range of contexts, while "solely" is more specific to single causes or reasons.
What does "only" imply?
"Only" implies exclusivity or a singular instance, often denoting limitations.
How does "only" function in a sentence?
"Only" can function as an adjective or adverb, denoting limitation, exclusivity, or recency.
Can "only" imply time constraints?
Yes, "only" can imply something happened as recently as a certain time, e.g., "They only arrived ten minutes ago."
Does "solely" have a formal tone?
"Solely" can impart a more formal or specific tone due to its emphasis on singularity and focus.
What is the primary use of "solely"?
"Solely" is primarily used as an adverb to emphasize a single source or reason behind an action or situation.
How does "solely" differ in connotation?
"Solely" suggests a focus on a single factor or reason, emphasizing singularity of cause or action.
How does context affect the choice between "only" and "solely"?
The choice depends on whether the emphasis is on limitation/exclusivity ("only") or single-minded focus ("solely").
Does "solely" suggest exclusivity in purpose?
Yes, "solely" often implies something is done with an exclusive focus or purpose, without other influences.
What role does "only" play in expressions of exception?
"Only" can introduce exceptions or conditions, often in a hypothetical or conditional sense.
Can "only" modify subjects, verbs, and objects alike?
Yes, "only" is flexible and can modify different parts of a sentence, affecting its meaning.
What impact does the placement of "only" have in a sentence?
The placement of "only" can significantly change the meaning of a sentence, highlighting its versatility and potential for nuanced expression.
Are there contexts where "only" and "solely" cannot be used interchangeably?
Yes, especially where "only" implies limitation or exclusivity beyond just focus or single cause, making "solely" less suitable.
How does "solely" emphasize responsibility or causation?
"Solely" emphasizes that a single factor or person is entirely responsible for or the cause of something.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
