purely

adverb

pure·​ly ˈpyu̇r-lē 

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

Synonyms

• chastely
• innocently
• modestly
• morally
• righteously
• virtuously

Examples of purely in a Sentence

They met purely by accident.

a selection based purely on merit

The organization's mission, purely and simply, is to provide food to people who need it.

It was purely and simply a matter of greed.

Recent Examples on the Web

In this way, a fence was erected, but purely for certain people. —Michael Luo, New Yorker, 20 May 2025

From a purely environmental perspective, subnational governments and governors must balance competing interests that do not always align with environmentalists’ ideals. —Mary Nichols, The Conversation, 19 May 2025

Any prices or levels shown are either historical or purely indicative. —Katie Stockton, CNBC, 19 May 2025

This comfortable and versatile footwear is no longer a purely functional option, but a true style icon. —René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 18 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for purely

• demurely
• maturely
• obscurely
• securely
• insecurely
• prematurely
• surely

Kids Definition

purely

adverb

pure·​ly ˈpyu̇(ə)r-lē 

1

: to the full or entire extent

2

: without the addition of anything harmful or different

3

: for no other reason than : only

done purely for fun

4

: in an innocent manner