what does "only" mean in this sentence
And so he began, amid constantly anxious sideways glances in his father’s direction, to turn himself around as quickly as possible (although in truth this was only very slowly).

what is the function of "only" mean in this sentence? Does it express a special tone or have some emotion?

Question

what does "only" mean in this sentence
And so he began, amid constantly anxious sideways glances in his father’s direction, to turn himself around as quickly as possible (although in truth this was only very slowly).

what is the function of "only" mean in this sentence? Does it express a special tone or have some emotion?

Answer

I believe "only" expresses that it is one speed which is very slowly. That is my best guess.

Answer

According to my understanding, the 'only' implies the occurrence of another event after this one.

Answer

The two answers below are wrong. In this case "only" means a lack of something that you desire more of. For example: "I have three apples." (Just a fact.) "I only have three apples." (I wish I had more apples.) In your example, he wants to turn quickly, but can only turn slowly.

Answers · 6

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!