Spanish word

mero

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmeɾo/

Meaning

  • adjectivemere

Example

Es un mero trámite.

It is a mere formality.

Illustration for mero (mere)

More examples

Fue un mero pretexto para no asumir responsabilidades.

It was a mere pretext to avoid taking responsibility.

Core concept

Nothing added beyond the named item.

Common phrases

  • mero trámite

    mere formality

  • mero detalle

    mere detail

  • mero pretexto

    mere pretext

Similar words

solo: Solitary in presence, existing separately from other items or people.
simple: Elementary and uncomplicated, not involving decoration or complexity.
puro: Pure in composition, lacking impurities, blends, or additives.

Definition in Spanish

Que califica algo como únicamente eso, sin añadirle importancia ni características extra.

Word origin

From Latin merus 'pure', where the idea of being 'purely only' evolved into Spanish mero used to signal that something is nothing beyond what is mentioned.

Usage tips

  • Also a common noun for the fish grouper (el mero), so context determines whether it is an adjective meaning 'mere' or the fish, and as an adjective it must match gender and number.

Opposites

Related words

  • meramentemerelyadverb

Word lists with this word