This is the 273rd most frequent Dutch word.
slechts
"Only" or "merely."
Here, 'slechts' is used to emphasize limitation, indicating that the number of books read is very small—only one.
Ze heeft slechts één boek gelezen.
She has only read one book.
In this usage, 'slechts' downplays the significance of the compensation, indicating it was minimal.
Het geld was slechts een kleine vergoeding.
The money was merely a small compensation.
In this sentence, 'slechts' is used to restrict the scope of the subject, limiting the presence of individuals to a small number.