Only/ˈəʊnli/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/3Emphasizing Limitation Used to highlight a restriction in quantity, scope, or ability. I only have five minutes to talk. Pro Tip 2/3Correct Placement Placement before the verb or object it modifies affects the meaning. She cooked only dessert versus She only cooked dessert. Pro Tip 3/3Scope of Negation Clarifies the extent of negation when combined with 'not'. Not only did he refuse the offer, but he also criticized it.