mere 1 W3 / mɪə $ mɪr / 形容词 ( superlative merest ) [名词前用，无比较级]

1 used to emphasize how small or unimportant something or someone is :

She lost the election by a mere 20 votes.

He’s a mere child.

It can’t be a mere coincidence that they left at the same time.

2 used to emphasize that something which is small or not extreme has a big effect or is important :

The merest little noise makes him nervous.

The mere thought of food made her feel sick.

The mere fact that the talks are continuing is a positive sign.