purely

[ pyoor-lee ]

adverb

1. in a pure manner; without admixture.
2. merely; only; solely:

   purely accidental.

3. entirely; completely.
4. innocently, virtuously, or chastely.

ˈpurely

/ ˈpjʊəlɪ /

adverb

1. in a pure manner
2. entirely

   purely by chance

3. in a chaste or innocent manner

Word History and Origins

Origin of purely¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, purely is from the Middle English word purliche; pure, -ly

Example Sentences

The researchers caution that these remain purely speculative for now.

From Science Daily

One thing they still don't do well, however, is measure or "feel" surfaces -- a purely mechanical function.

From Science Daily

If he feels like rewarding people who supported him, he can do that — but it's purely at his discretion and he is not a generous person.

From Salon

“It then became two, and three," he says, "then after package four it was purely about the money.”

From BBC

"He was selling to children, targeting youngsters at a nightclub where no alcohol was available, it was purely for children and was a dry evening."

From BBC

Related Words

• altogether
• completely
• entirely
• essentially
• exactly
• exclusively
• merely
• plainly
• quite
• solely
• totally
• utterly
• wholly