On Sun, 3 Dec 2017 22:13:27 -0800 (PST), Lazypierrot
Post by LazypierrotPost by Tony CooperPost by LazypierrotHi, I would like to know the meaning of *simply* in the following passage. I wonder if it means "only", or rather "really."
The cold viruses may appear to be nothing but mischief-makers at first glance and something that should be avoided at all cost.
However, there is a case to be made that they are *simply* part of the
human environment and possibly even good for it.
Post by LazypierrotPost by Tony CooperThe usage is the same as "no more than or no less than": "...there is
a case to be made that they are no more than or no less than part of
the human environment".
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Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida
I think that "no more than" and "no less than" have the opposite meanings. I am afraind the expression "no more than or no less than" is sort of contradictory. Is there any other way to paraphrase it?
LP
Yes, they are opposites, but they offset each other. That then means
the result is "exactly the same". In other words, cold viruses are
"no more than just a part of the human environment and no less than
just a part of the human environment".
It's a phrase that serves as emphasis when saying something is exactly
the same. That is what is attempted by adding "simply".
You could substitute "just", "merely", or "only" for "simply", but I'm
not sure you would understand those as substitutes if "simply" is not
clear.
Not "really", though. That implies that there is something that might
be misconstrued.
It would be appreciated if you would set your line length to about 70
characters or hit "enter" after about 70 characters. Not doing so
forces some of us to scroll across the page to read what you've
written.
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Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida