einzig

== German == === Etymology === From Middle High German einzec, einzic (“single”), ultimately from ein (“one”); see there for more (DWDS). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈaɪ̯nt͡sɪç/, /ˈaɪ̯nt͡sɪk/ === Adjective === einzig (strong nominative masculine singular einziger, not comparable) only, sole unique ==== Usage notes ==== When followed by another adjective, einzig is typically used in the bare form: die einzig richtige Antwort ("the only correct answer"). However, it is just as correct to follow the general practice and decline both: die einzige richtige Antwort. Colloquially, an intensified form einzigst- (formally a superlative) is sometimes heard. This is non-standard usage. ==== Declension ==== === Adverb === einzig only === Further reading === “einzig” in Duden online “einzig” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache Friedrich Kluge (1883), “einzig”, in John Francis Davis, transl., Etymological Dictionary of the German Language, published 1891