merely
adverbOnly and nothing more, with no other reason or purpose.
adjectiveJust or only, and not more or better than expected.
Syllables
2 syllables
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Letter M
The letter M makes the /m/ sound, like in 'map', 'mud', and 'mop'. Both lips press together with voice through the nose.
M is a voiced bilabial nasal — both lips press together while the voice hums through the nose. Double M (mm) makes the same /m/ sound.
Tip
M hums like mmm — press your lips and hum!
Examples
Phonics Rule: ERE says /ɪər/ (here)
ERE can make the /ɪər/ sound, like in 'here' and 'mere'.
ERE says /ɪər/ (the 'ear' sound) in here, mere, sphere, severe, atmosphere.
Tip
Come here, my dear — here, mere, sphere!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Suffix -LY
Adding -LY to a word usually makes it describe HOW something is done, like 'slowly' and 'quickly'.
The suffix -ly usually turns an adjective into an adverb. 'Slow' → 'slowly' means 'in a slow way'.
Examples
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
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