mere

³mere

adj

superlative mer·est

Definition of MERE

1

: having no admixture : pure

2

obsolete : being nothing less than : absolute

3

: being nothing more than <a mere mortal> <a mere hint of spice>

— mere·ly adverb

Examples of MERE

1. <the mere idea of your traveling alone to Europe is ridiculous>

Origin of MERE

Middle English, from Latin merus; akin to Old English āmerian to purify and perhaps to Greek marmairein to sparkle — more at morn

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to MERE

Synonyms: bare, very

Related Words: absolute, all-out, arrant, out-and-out, outright, pure, sheer, simple, stark, total, unadulterated, unalloyed, unmitigated, unqualified, utter; alone, lone, only, singular, sole, solitary, solo, unique

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