
Mere
Understated Impact
Use 'mere' to make something seem less important or smaller than it is, often to highlight contrast.

Despite our efforts, we made mere pennies.
Irony or Sarcasm
'Mere' can be used ironically to imply something is important when labeled as 'mere'.

Oh, it's a mere trifle that you won the championship!
Emotional Minimization
'Mere' might minimize feelings or the seriousness of a situation in emotional contexts.

He said it was a mere scratch, but it looked serious.
Compare with
BasicJustOnlyPlainSimpleSlightTrivial
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