Hamlet 1.2 Word Nerd: Merely

The transcript discusses the evolution of the word 'merely'. Initially, it had a positive connotation, meaning 'completely' or 'totally', as used by Shakespeare. Over time, in Elizabethan English, it began to take on a more restrictive and negative connotation, meaning 'only' or 'just', which is how it is used today.

What was the original positive connotation of the word 'merely'?

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How did Shakespeare use the word 'merely' in his works?

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What change in connotation did the word 'merely' undergo in Elizabethan English?

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In what context is the word 'merely' used today compared to its original meaning?

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What does the modern usage of 'merely' imply?

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