This is the 273rd most frequent Dutch word.
slechts
"Only" or "merely."
In this sentence, 'slechts' is used to restrict the scope of the subject, limiting the presence of individuals to a small number.
Slechts een paar mensen waren op de vergadering aanwezig.
Only a few people were present at the meeting.
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.