lediglich
only · merely
Es bedeutet, dass es nur um eine einzige Sache geht und nichts weiter gemeint ist.
Definition & meaning
Lediglich means only, merely, or just. It limits or qualifies something, often emphasizing that the amount, scope, or importance is small or restricted.
- Es kostet lediglich zehn Euro. — “It costs only ten euros.”
- Sie wollte lediglich helfen. — “She only wanted to help.”
Grammar & word origin
Lediglich is an adverb and does not change form. It comes from ledig (“free,” “unattached,” or “unmarried”) and the suffix -lich . Its present-day meaning is primarily “only” or “merely.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Common synonyms include:
- nur — the most general equivalent of “only.”
- bloß — often similar to “merely” or “just,” and can sound more conversational.
- ausschließlich — means “exclusively,” stressing that nothing else is included.
- einzig — emphasizes that something is the sole one of its kind.
There is no single exact antonym. Depending on context, zusätzlich (“additional”) or mehr als (“more than”) can express an opposing idea.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Sie braucht lediglich ein paar Minuten.adverb
She only needs a few minutes.
Er hat lediglich eine Frage gestellt.adverb
He only asked a question.
Ich suche lediglich einen neuen Job.adverb
I am only looking for a new job.
Sie benötigt lediglich einen Stift zum Schreiben.adverb
She needs only a pen for writing.
Er hat lediglich sein Handy vergessen.adverb
He only forgot his phone.
Er wollte lediglich helfen.adverb
He merely wanted to help.
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