単なる

単なる

"単なる" means "mere" or "simple."

In this sentence, '単なる' is used as an adjective to signify that the subject ('冗談') is trivial or of little significance, conveying a dismissive nuance.

彼の発言は単なる冗談だと気づきました。

I realized that his statement was just a joke.

Here, '単なる' is employed to compare and contrast the triviality of the subject ('偶然'), emphasizing its ordinariness in contrast to a suggested deeper meaning.

これは単なる偶然ではなく、何か意味があると思います。

I think this is not merely a coincidence but has some significance.

In this context, '単なる' is used to reinforce the insignificance of the subject ('噂'), emphasizing its lack of value or credibility.

その噂は単なる噂に過ぎない。

That rumor is nothing more than just a rumor.