Do "the one thing" and "only thing" mean the same?
Consider the following:
- Basketball is the one thing that X is can do and Y cannot.
- Basketball is the only thing that X is can do and Y cannot.
Are there any differences between these?
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Sign up to join this communityDo "the one thing" and "only thing" mean the same?
Consider the following:
Are there any differences between these?
Number 2 means the only / the single difference between X and Y is in their ability to play basketball.
Number 1 has a similar meaning, but it doesn't necessarily imply that the ability to play basketball is the only difference between X and Y. It's only one of the differences and to the speaker, it's the most important difference between the two.
In other words, number 1 means, there is one thing that X can do, but Y cannot, and I think that thing is the most important thing, or the only difference between the two I know of, but it's not necessarily the only difference.