Re: TECH: word "only"

[Mr Andrew Rosta <ucleaar@UCL.AC.UK>]

jimc:
> I very much agree.  The word "only" was one of the first that I broke my
> teeth on.  Here is a short list of meanings, supplementing what Colin
> wrote:
>
> (1)     The only way is love            There is exactly one X which is
>                                         a tadji (way), AND X is love
> (2)     I ate only two cookies          I ate two cookies, AND two is less
>                                         than the expected number for this
>                                         situation
> (3)     I only ate two cookies          I ate two cookies, AND that event
>                                         is less than what would normally
>                                         justify the criticism or punishment
>                                         that you are putting me through

I reckon 1, 2 & 3 (on one reading of 3) are the same. 2 is: there are
exactly two cookies eaten by me (in this particular event of eating).
3 is: there is exactly one eating (at this particular implicit time)
such that the eater is me and the eatee is two cookies.

> (4)     She is only a servant           She is a servant, AND this condition
>                                         implies a social status that is less
>                                         than what is normally expected for
>                                         the present situation

= merely

> (5)     Smoke if you want, only not     Smoke if you want [discursive of
>         where I can smell it.           contrast] don't smoke where...

I agree.

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And.