Crossword Genius

But commonly reduced (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

only

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'but' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'commonly reduced' is the wordplay.
'ONLY' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm uncertain how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for only that I've seen before include "Simply" , "Alone; solitary" , "And no one else" , "Solely; except that" , "Unique; merely" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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