mere
adj
(=just, simple) simple before n
→ Actions really do speak louder than mere words
It's a mere formality. C'est une simple formalité.
In Poland, the faith has always meant more than mere religion. En Pologne, la foi a toujours voulu dire plus que la simple religion.
to be mere ... n'être que ...
They were mere puppets. Ils n'étaient que des marionnettes.
the mere ....
(=just the)
[+fact, suggestion, mention, absence] le (la) simple ...
→ the mere fact that a claimant was exposed to asbestos dust
→ The mere suggestion that she might have to scrub the floor filled her with horror.
→ There is more to good health than the mere absence of disease.
The mere mention of food made her feel sick. La simple mention de la nourriture la rendait malade.
(=only)
a mere five percent seuls cinq pour cent
Sixty per cent of teachers are women, but a mere 5 percent of women are heads or deputies. Soixante pour cent des enseignants sont des femmes mais seuls cinq pour cent sont principales ou principales adjointes.
to be a mere ...
(=cost only) ne coûter que ...
Tickets are a mere £7.50 at the door. Les billets ne coûtent que 7,50 livres à la porte.
→ For the past two decades, North Carolina taxed cigarettes at a mere 2 cents a packet.
the merest
(=slightest) le (la) moindre, le plus petit (la plus petite)
→ Whenever there was a gap in the traffic the merest pressure on the accelerator was enough to close it.
the merest hint of criticism le moindre soupçon de critique, le plus petit soupçon de critique
Translation English - French Collins Dictionary
To add entries to your own vocabulary, become a member of Reverso community or login if you are already a member.
It's easy and only takes a few seconds:
- Create your own vocabulary list
- Contribute to the Collaborative Dictionary
- Improve and share your linguistic knowledge
"Collins English French Electronic Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers 2005"