German word

lediglich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈleːdɪklɪç/

Meaning

  • adverbmerely

Example

Das war lediglich ein Missverständnis.

That was merely a misunderstanding.

Illustration for lediglich (merely)

More examples

Er hat lediglich fünf Euro bezahlt.

He paid only five euros.

Core concept

A small fact sits inside a clear boundary, with nothing beyond that fact included.

Common phrases

  • lediglich zwei Minuten

    only two minutes

  • lediglich fünf Euro

    only five euros

  • lediglich eine Frage

    only a question

Similar words

nur: Naturally indicates one item or a small amount within a limited range.
bloß: Gives a casual sense of restriction that can suggest surprise or mild caution.

Definition in German

Ein formelleres Adverb für nur, das eine sachliche Einschränkung ohne starke Gefühlsbetonung ausdrückt.

Word origin

Lediglich developed from Middle High German lediclich, combining ledic, meaning 'free' or 'unoccupied', with the suffix -lich as its meaning narrowed toward 'only'.

Usage tips

  • Lediglich is a formal adverb, while nur or bloß is usually more natural in casual speech.

Other meanings

  • onlyadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word