Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
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  A) Only
 B)Willingly
 C)Often
 D)Always
 E)Inadvertently

Answer 1

Hint: Synonyms are the words having the same meanings but different meanings. Merely means just, solely and being restricted to something or a particular cause.

Complete step-by-step answer:

From the hint given to us, we infer that merely isn’t associated with the frequency of something happening. With this inference of ours, we observe that the adverbs ‘often’ and ‘always’ are unsuitable as they convey the frequency of something happening. Thus, options C and D are wrong. Often means the frequent happening of something with respect to time. Always means being constant or ever-present with respect to time.
We can also infer from the hint merely isn’t related to intention. Willingly means intentionally and inadvertently means unintentionally or reluctantly. Thus, options B and E are wrong as it is related to the intention of someone.
Only means being restricted to something or a particular cause. We observe that it means the same as merely. Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Note: We know that merely and only mean the same. However, both are not used in the same context. Merely is used when the verb is not appreciated and only could be used in general.