purely

pure·ly

adv \ˈpyu̇r-lē\

Definition of PURELY

1

a : to a full extent : totally <purely by accident> b : wholly, exclusively <a selection based purely on merit>

2

: without admixture of anything injurious or foreign

3

: simply, merely <read purely for relaxation>

4

: in a chaste or innocent manner

Examples of PURELY

1. They met purely by accident.
2. a selection based purely on merit
3. The organization's mission, purely and simply, is to provide food to people who need it.
4. It was purely and simply a matter of greed.

First Known Use of PURELY

14th century

Related to PURELY

Synonyms: chastely, innocently, modestly, morally, righteously, virtuously

Antonyms: evilly, immorally, impurely, sinfully, wickedly

Related Words: decently, decorously, properly; priggishly, primly, prudishly

Near Antonyms: indecently, obscenely, vulgarly; lasciviously, lewdly, lustfully

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with PURELY

poorly, surely