- mere
- [[t]mɪ͟ə(r)[/t]]
♦♦♦merest(Mere does not have a comparative form. The superlative form merest is used to emphasize how small something is, rather than in comparisons.)1) ADJ: ADJ n (emphasis) You use mere to emphasize how unimportant or inadequate something is, in comparison to the general situation you are describing.
...successful exhibitions which go beyond mere success...
There is more to good health than the mere absence of disease...
In Poland, the faith has always meant more than mere religion...
She'd never received the merest hint of any communication from him.
2) ADJ: ADJ n You use mere to indicate that a quality or action that is usually unimportant has a very important or strong effect.The mere mention of food had triggered off hunger pangs...
Whenever there was a gap in the traffic the merest pressure on the accelerator was enough to close it...
The mere suggestion that she might have to scrub the floor filled her with horror.
3) ADJ: a ADJ amount (emphasis) You use mere to emphasize how small a particular amount or number is.Sixty per cent of teachers are women, but a mere 5 percent of women are heads and deputies...
Tickets are a mere ₤7.50 at the door...
For the past two decades, North Carolina taxed cigarettes at a mere 2 cents a packet.
English dictionary. 2008.
