Exclusively vs Just vs Merely vs Only vs Solely

Quand utiliser chacun en anglais, avec le sens, le registre et des exemples.

Exclusively

FormelTop 3000 (courant)C1adverb

Just

Top 1000 (très courant)A1adverb

Merely

Top 2000 (courant)C1adverb

Only

Top 1000 (très courant)A1adjective

Solely

Top 3000 (courant)C1adverb
Le plus formel: Exclusively
 ExclusivelyJustMerelyOnlySolely
Prononciation🇬🇧 /["/ɪkˈskluːsɪvli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪkˈskluːsɪvli/"]/🇬🇧 /["/dʒʌst/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dʒʌst/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˈmɪəli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmɪrli/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˈəʊnli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈəʊnli/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˈsəʊlli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsəʊlli/"]/
SensOnly for one group or purpose.Only or exactly.only or justjust one or a single type of somethingOnly; nothing else.
ExempleThe resort caters almost exclusively for a high-society public.I just finished my homework.It is **not merely** a job, but a way of life.She is the only person I trust.She was motivated solely by self-interest.
RegistreFormelNeutreNeutreNeutreNeutre
FréquenceTop 3000 (courant)Top 1000 (très courant)Top 2000 (courant)Top 1000 (très courant)Top 3000 (courant)
Niveau CEFRC1A1C1A1C1
Nature grammaticaleadverbadverbadverbadjectiveadverb
Collocationsexclusively for, exclusively available, exclusively focusedjust finished, just in case, just a momentmerely a suggestion, merely a formality, merely a coincidenceonly one, only child, only option, only when, only timesolely responsible, solely focused, solely for the purpose
Antonymesinclusively, generallyunjust, unfairsignificantly, substantially, greatlymultiple, various, somejointly, together, collectively
Erreurs fréquentesUsed 'exclusively' when describing multiple groups instead of just one., Confused with 'exclusionary', which refers to limiting access., Misused in informal contexts where simpler language is preferred.Confused with 'fair' meaning just/balanced., Overused in formal contexts., Misplaced 'just' leading to unclear sentences.Using 'merely' in overly formal situations where simpler language is preferred., Mixing 'merely' with negative meanings when it should indicate neutrality., Confusing 'merely' with 'barely' which implies a lesser degree.Using 'only' in the wrong position, changing the meaning., Confusing 'the only' with 'only'., Overusing 'only', leading to awkward sentences.Using 'solely' when 'only' is more appropriate., Confusing 'solely' with 'solidly'., Placing 'solely' at the beginning of a sentence incorrectly.
Notes d'usageUsed in formal contexts to emphasize that something is limited to one type or group. It may not be suitable in casual conversations where simpler words like 'only' suffice.Use 'just' to indicate something that is recent or to emphasize that something is the only thing or the most simple example. It might be informal or casual when used in conversations.Use 'merely' to emphasize that something is simple or not important. It fits well in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using it in very casual conversations.Use 'only' to restrict meaning. It’s often used to clarify that nothing else is included. Avoid using it excessively, as it can sound limiting or exclusive.Use 'solely' in formal or written contexts to emphasize exclusivity. Avoid in casual spoken language.

Questions fréquentes : Exclusively vs Just vs Merely vs Only vs Solely

Quelle est la différence entre Exclusively, Just, Merely, Only et Solely ?

Exclusively: Only for one group or purpose. Just: Only or exactly. Merely: only or just Only: just one or a single type of something Solely: Only; nothing else.

Lequel est le plus formel : Exclusively, Just, Merely, Only et Solely ?

Exclusively est le plus formel de tous.

Exclusively, Just, Merely, Only et Solely sont-ils au même niveau CEFR ?

Exclusively: C1, Just: A1, Merely: C1, Only: A1, Solely: C1 sur l'échelle CEFR.

Quelle est la nature grammaticale de Exclusively, Just, Merely, Only et Solely ?

Exclusively: adverb, Just: adverb, Merely: adverb, Only: adjective, Solely: adverb.

Peux-tu montrer un exemple de chacun ?

Exclusively: The resort caters almost exclusively for a high-society public. Just: I just finished my homework. Merely: It is **not merely** a job, but a way of life. Only: She is the only person I trust. Solely: She was motivated solely by self-interest.

Puis-je utiliser Exclusively, Just, Merely, Only et Solely de façon interchangeable ?

Pas toujours. Exclusively, Just, Merely, Only et Solely sont proches et se recoupent parfois, mais elles diffèrent par le registre, la fréquence et l'usage, donc remplacer l'une par l'autre peut changer le sens ou le ton. Regarde les différences ci-dessus avant de substituer.