Indicates that something is nothing more than or merely X — it emphasizes that there is no greater importance or significance.
それは噂に過ぎないから、気にする必要はない。
That's just a rumor, so there's no need to worry.
彼の成功は運によるものに過ぎないと言う人もいる。
Some say his success is nothing more than luck.
今は準備段階に過ぎない。まだ本番ではない。
This is only the preparation stage. It's not the real thing yet.
これは予測に過ぎないが、問題が起きる可能性はある。
This is only a prediction, but there is a possibility of a problem occurring.