ainuüksi

Ainuüksi is an Estonian adverb meaning "only" or "merely." It is used to restrict the scope of a statement and to emphasize exclusivity. The term is most common in written Estonian and in formal registers; in ordinary speech, speakers frequently prefer "ainult" for the same sense.

Origin and form: The word combines a root meaning "the sole" with the suffix -üksi, a productive suffix in Estonian that yields intensifying or adverbial meanings. This formation signals a strong assertion that nothing else should be considered.

Usage: Ainuüksi typically precedes the element it modifies, such as a noun phrase or a larger clause, to mark exclusivity. It can be used to introduce the notion that a factor or aspect is the only one relevant in a given context, often in argumentation, analysis, or narration.

Comparison: While synonymous with "ainult" in many contexts, "ainuüksi" carries a more formal or literary nuance and may be chosen for stylistic reasons. Some modern writers use it sparingly.