来自mere,纯粹的，仅仅，只不过。

1. The letter merely restated the law of the land.

这封信只不过重复了一下土地法。

2. This merely strengthens our resolve to win the league.

这只会更加坚定我们赢得联赛的决心。

3. The King has merely given the politicians enough rope to hang themselves.

国王只不过是给了这些政客自缚的绳子。

4. The police don't make the laws, they merely enforce them.

警察并不制定法律，只是负责执行。

5. You are merely reciting facts that you have learned by rote.

你只是在背诵自己死记硬背下来的东西。