uniquement

Forms

uniquement^[1]

Etymology

It is formed from French unique + -ment.^{[2][3][4][1][5]}

Earliest recorded meaning

The FEW cites it from 1458, in the Servion Bible, meaning “to the exclusion of anything else”;^[2] the GLLF notes that this reference cannot be checked.^[6] The TLFi's next record is in Jean d'Auton's chronicle in the early 16th century.^[2]

Semantic evolution

In 1541 Calvin used it for “above all, more than anything”, as in aimer uniquement, a sense now dated or literary.^[2][6][7] The ordinary sense “only, for no other reason” became current in 1814.^[8]

Timeline

• 1458 – “Exclusively”, in the Servion Bible, according to the FEW.^[2][6]
• early 16th century – Jean d'Auton's chronicle.^[2]
• 1541 – Calvin uses it for “above all”.^[2][4]
• 1814 – The everyday sense “merely, only”.^[8]

Meanings

Adverb

1. Exclusively, to the exclusion of anything else: Il lit uniquement des romans policiers.^[9][7][1]
2. Only, merely, restricting a phrase: Je suis venu uniquement pour te voir.^[9][1]
3. (dated or literary) Above all, more than anything: Elle l'aimait uniquement.^[6][7][4]

Related words

• unique
• Latin ūnicus

Usage notes

Pas uniquement means “not only”.^[9][7]

References

1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
3. ^ Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert
4. ^ a b c Littré, Émile (1873–1877), Dictionnaire de la langue française, 4 vols. and supplement, Paris: Hachette
5. ^ Wartburg, Walther von, et al. (1922–2002), Französisches Etymologisches Wörterbuch, 25 vols., Bonn / Leipzig / Basel: Klopp / Teubner / Zbinden, p. 14, 43a
6. ^ a b c d Guilbert, Louis; Lagane, René; Niobey, Georges, eds. (1971–1978; 1989), Grand Larousse de la langue française, Paris: Larousse
7. ^ a b c d Académie française (1992–2024), Dictionnaire de l'Académie française, 9th ed., Paris: Académie française / Fayard / Imprimerie nationale
8. ^ a b Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
9. ^ a b c Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert